Pakistani Celebrations

Here are a few Celebrations that your ELLs from Pakistan might celebrate. Think about interesting ways that you can genuinely integrate the celebration of these dates/festivals in your classroom.

• Ramadan is the ninth month of the  Islamic Lunar Calendar.  Every day during this month, Muslims spend the daylight hours in a complete fast.

• Eid al-Fitr is a celebration on the last day of Ramadan when muslims break their fast. This is a day of celebration for many Pakistanis.

•  Shab-e-Barat is celebrated with enthusiasm by Muslims all over the world. Muslims believe that on the night of Shab-e-Barat Allah writes the destinies of all people for the coming year by taking into account the deeds committed by them in the past. On this festival, prayers, fire works, exchange of sweet dishes and visits to friends and families are held. 

•  Eid Milad-un Nabi is the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It is celebrated by all the Muslims with religious enthusiasm and solemnity across the world.

•  Keep special dates in mind and make sure that students know that they are free to celebrate freely in the classroom.
• It is important to remember that in Pakistani culture  Gifts are not opened when received and gifts are given with two hands. This is something to keep in mind during times where gifts are given and received in your classroom.
•   Mothers day and Fathers day are also important celebrated holidays in Pakistan and parents appreciate any crafts or activities run in your classroom
•  Christmas is celebrated by Christians in Pakistan but is not a prominent holiday so be sensitive during this season as these celebrations are not celebrated by all students.