Festivals and Annual Events

This event takes place every Thursday. The venue is the shrine of a great and arguably the most celebrated Sufi Saint of Pakistan - Data Ganj Bakhsh. His real name was Ali Hajvery and he came to the sub-continent around the 11th Century. Thursday is thought to be a special day in Islam when people should pray and seek forgiveness from Allah. In Pakistan, a lot of people visit these shrines, in the belief that the saints can speak to God on their behalf. Data Ganj is one of these saints and large crowds throng to his shrine to pray for him. Food is distributed amongst the poor and from two till five in the evening, Qawwalis(traditional songs) are sung.

This festival was held annually signaling the advent of spring and was celebrated with great gusto. Festivities were held at various venues around the city on rooftops mainly, and included kite flying, musical concerts and barbeques. A major proportion of the festivities would occur in the walled Old City atop Havelis. The festival was discontinued due to the deaths that resulted from the badly produced kite string. However, it has recently made a comeback and the sky is now dotted with colorful kites once again.

This event takes place annually at the Fortress Stadium and has been occurring for the past 24 years. The fair lasts about five days and the purpose is to promote book selling, buying and reading. A number of publishing companies take part at this event. It is a rare treat for children and adult readers alike. Both English and Urdu literature are available.

This event is held annually. It started in 2001 and actually takes place in Karachi where this initiative was born. More recently the festival has travelled to Lahore as well. The festival showcases the art of film making and new and upcoming artists are presented here. The audience has been growing in strength since its inception and a panel of judges deliberates the winner of each award. Over 40 countries participate in this event and both local and international films are screened.

This event, launched by the DAWN group of newspapers, the widely read English daily in Pakistan, is held at the Pearl Continental Hotel. The purpose is attract Pakistani students to come and learn of the opportunities they have by introducing them to various institutes of higher learning.

There is a long standing tradition of polo matches in Lahore. The venue is always the Lahore Polo Club. These matches usually take place in the winter or spring when the weather is cooler. This particular championship is an annual event. The matches played vary from 10 to 14 goals.

Like the shrine of Data Sahib, Baba Shah Jamal’s shrine is also visited by people, especially on Thursdays. This shrine is more popular since noted dhol player Pappu Sain performs here from 9 P.M. till the early hours of the morning. Watching Pappu Sain engrossed in playing the dhol is a fascinating and once in a lifetime experience. Come and be mesmerized by his performance.

This is an important time for the country as a whole, and Lahoris in particular celebrate it with great enthusiasm. Buildings, streets and roundabouts are all decked in fairy lights. The city truly comes alive with the Pakistani flags fluttering atop almost every house and building you can see. A number of clubs including Gymkhana and Defence Club organize music concerts and fairs to celebrate this historic day.

Held annually in the Fortress Stadium, this event sees a diverse range of livestock converging in the city. It is one of the oldest events in Lahore and is looked forward to every year by the locals. The festival includes horse and camel dancing, bull fighting, singing and dancing, traditional games and tent pegging. The event gives you a true insight into the rich culture of Pakistan.

This event is held annually at the Alhamra Arts Council and lasts ten days. It is one of the main festivals in the social calendar of Lahore; participants and observers partake in it with great enthusiasm. The festival showcases the best of the performing arts both local and global, and entertainers from all around the world perform at this event. Music, theatre, dance, puppetry and film are celebrated with live performances.