February, annual Flower Show celebrates spring in the last week in Bagh-e-Quaid-e-Azam (Gulshan-e-Jinnah) or the Polo Ground, transforming the whole garden into a riot of color. The event has become highly popular as prizes are given to the best horticulturists and gardens of Karachi. On this occasion flower arrangement contests are also held. Another spring festival Basant is becoming increasingly popular, when colorful kite-flying competitions are organized in public places, hotels and clubs.

5 February, observed as Kashmir day, when rallies are held to express solidarity with Kashmiri’s in occupied Kashmir.

23 March, observed as Pakistan Day is a national holiday. This day commemorates 1940 'Resolution of Independence' to strive for a separate Muslim nation from the rest of India. On this day military parades, processions and other activities are organized in the city.

1 May, May Day. This day is celebrated as Labor Day.

14 August, Independence Day, commemorates the founding of Pakistan in 1947.

6 September, Defense Day of Pakistan, commemorates the beginning of 17-day war with India in 1965.

11 September, the Death Anniversary of the founder of the nation Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who was given the title of Quaid-e- Azam (the Great Leader). On this occasion, lectures, discussions, processions and events are held in connection with the life and contribution of Quaid-e-Azam.

9 November, Iqbal Day, is celebrated as the birthday of Allama Muhammad Iqbal, the national poet. Several memorial functions are held on this occasion to discuss the works of the famous poet. Visits are made to the grave of the poet, situated close to the gate of Badshahi Mosque, where prayers are offered.

25 December is celebrated as Birthday of Quaid-e-Azam, as well as Christmas Day by Christian community of the city. Functions are held to commemorate the services of Jinnah and special Christmas services are held in churches throughout the city.

Muslim Religious Holidays

These holidays are related to the Muslim lunar (Hijra) calendar and fall on different days in each year, and unlike the Christian Easter, occur in even different seasons. During 2003-2004, the following are the dates for various religious holidays: Juma-tul-Wida, November 21; Eid-ul-Fitr, 26 November; Eid-ul-Azha, 22 February 2004; Ninth & Tenth of Muharram, 23 & 24 March 2004; Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi, 24 May 2004.

Ramazan

The month of Ramazan is considered a holy month due to its religious significance. Most Muslims observe the fast from sunrise to sunset. In the morning great preparations are made for sehri (the morning meal) and at sunset for iftar (to break fast) when specially prepared delicacies are served. During the fast neither smoking nor food or drinks of any kind are allowed.

All through the month of Ramazan special evening prayers, known as tarawih, are held in all mosques. To show respect, it is advisable for visitors to refrain from smoking, eating and drinking in public. The last Friday of the month of Ramazan (Juma-tul-Wida) is a holiday.

Eid-ul-Fitr or Chhoti Eid (Minor Eid)

The first of Muslim month of Shawwal marks the end of Ramazan with prayers and celebrations. This is a family oriented religious event particularly enjoyable for women and children. Gaily colored dresses with accessories of chooris (glass bangles) and jewellery are worn by women, and children enjoy their new clothes and shoes, a must for the occasion. All sorts of sweetmeats and delicacies are prepared for the occasion.

After large congregational special prayers, a round of visits is undertaken to close family relatives and friends, where all households, regardless of their income levels, offer all sorts of sweetmeats and delicacies prepared for the occasion. Young children are given eidee (a gift of money) by the elders. Normally, at least two days holidays are declared on this occasion.

Eid-ul-Azha or Bari Eid (Major Eid)

Another religious festival that falls on tenth day of the month of Zil-Hajj is Eid-ul-Azha. Normally at least two and sometimes even three holidays are declared on this occasion to allow extensive preparations required for its celebration.

This Eid commemorates the readiness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his own son to the will of God. This occasion also marks the Hajj, when Muslims from all over the world bow their head in submission to God at Makkah, Saudi Arabia. On this occasion most families offer the sacrifice of lamb, goat, sheep or cow. One third of the sacrificial meat is distributed among the needy, one third to friends and the remaining is used for family's own consumption. Many households today prefer to contribute equivalent of the price of goat or lamb etc. to charity. This event starts with large congregational prayers all over the city; savory delicacies based on meat dishes are cooked and served to friends and relatives. This is a great occasion for lunch or dinner get-togethers for family and friends.

Muharram

Tenth of Muharram is an event which commemorates the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (May Peace be Upon Him) in the battle of Karbala in Iraq.

The mourners, belonging to the Shiite sect, perform flagellation in a procession which winds its way through the city. A deeply religious event, the sight of the anguish of mourners for whom the pain is as vivid as it was fourteen centuries ago, is a profoundly moving spectacle.

A remarkable feature of the procession is the special peppier Mache, highly decorated structure called the Tazia. A moving spectacle is the procession lead by Duldul or Zuljinnah, reprsenting the horse of Imam Hussain, which starts at midnight (night of 9th & 10th Muharram) from Nisar Haveli (see Chapter 8, Guzargah 6—Mochee & Akbari Gates) and terminates evening of 10th Muharram at Karbala Camay Shah outside Bhati Gate.

To show respect for the occasion and sentiments of mourners, during the first ten days of the month of Muharram, Muslims belonging to all sects refrain from celebrations of any kind. Radio and television programs broadcast addresses by leading Shiite scholars to mournful gatherings, held every evening until the 10th of Muharram.

Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi

This is the birthday of Prophet Mohammad (May Peace be Upon Him), which falls on twelfth day of the Muslim month of Rabi-ul-Awwal. This day is marked with great festivity by Muslims when special private and public gatherings, known as milad, are held, to recite a special genre of poetry—the naat— in remembrance of the Prophet.