Colors of Islamabad - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Residents of the capital of Pakistan are friendly and tender-hearted people. These qualities are always revealed in the way they treat tourists – locals are always ready to help tourists in trouble. Of course, local people expect tourists to follow the rules of the Pakistani society. This is the right way for travelers to make everyone in Islamabad like them. Local families are united and family members are close to each other because family and friends are the main treasure for every local. They are ready to fight for their family until the end and protect their beliefs as long as they can. Leather goods, textiles, items made of wood and metal remain the traditional crafts of local people.

Tourists shouldn’t have problems when dealing with locals. Almost everyone speaks English and it is hard to meet a person who cannot say even several basic phrases. Despite the fact that the capital of Pakistan is home to people of different nationalities, and some nationalities are more widespread than others, everyone is friendly to tourists. Famous Middle Eastern traditions of hospitality are not a myth here, and a refusal to come to someone’s home for dinner is simply impossible. Moreover, tourists are not recommended to do that because the host will be very offended.

The capital of Pakistan regularly hosts interesting festivals that appeal not only to local people but also to tourists, many of which arrive in the city in order to visit these wonderful events. Fair trades and exhibitions are also not rare in Islamabad. They are an opportunity to make profitable deals. Shaz K & A&S Exhibition, which takes place in Ensemble apparel shop at the beginning of June, is one of the most popular events. The exhibition is dedicated to the fashion industry. Fashion shows, master classes with interesting music and dancing performances – the exhibition’s visitors will find all these and much more. Without a doubt, it is a wonderful opportunity for all businessmen to sign profitable contracts. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Chand Raat Mela is one of the most colorful events in Islamabad. It is held in the city in the middle of June. This is the time of never-ending fun. Chand Raat Mela is a cocktail of music, dancing, and delicious food. The festival is held at TEN 11 Lounge. For tourists, it is a unique opportunity to learn the local culture as deep as possible. Among the headliners of this event, there are many popular and famous Pakistani performers and bands, and many of them dance and sing folk songs.

Traditional Calligraphy Exhibition is one more festival that is tightly connected with the cultural heritage of the country. It usually takes place in the Heritage Museum. During the exhibition, visitors can see interesting calligraphic drawings made on leather, wood, copper, and precious metals. As a rule, the event starts at the beginning of July and ends closer to the middle of the month. Islamabad Literature Festival is also widely celebrated in the city. This event is held in Hotel Margala in the middle of April. This is the time when visitors can meet poets and novelists from Pakistan and other countries. The program features lectures, seminars, poetic evenings, readings, and art exhibitions.

A large gastronomic event takes place in the capital in the middle of April when Islamabad hosts Spring Food Festival. As a rule, this festival lasts two days and takes place in Lake-View Park. Visitors can try various local delicacies, and kids are always glad to have fun at a special playground that opens for the event. Numerous local cafes, bars, and restaurants join the event, offering their best delicacies and signature dishes. Besides an opportunity to try many interesting dishes that belong to the national cuisine, there is always a range of Indian, Chinese, and European dishes. A flower exhibition has become an essential part of the event, so all fans of flora will be delighted.

It is natural that the capital of the country hosts the largest Independence Day celebration in Pakistan. Islamabad is incredibly interesting to visit on this day. The celebration coincides with the National Music Festival. This means that besides military parades that always take place on the central streets of the city visitors can enjoy performances of local music bands. Needless to say, this holiday is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the local culture. The music festival starts at the beginning of August while Independence Day falls to August 14. Right before the celebration, in the evening on August 13, there is always the largest music event in the schedule of the festival. This is an “opening act” of the Independence Day celebrations in Pakistan.