Iman. Ittihad. Tanzeem.
Faith. Unity. Discipline.
This is the guiding principle of Pakistan. In his speech, our Quaid said that as long as we followed this principle, we would always be able to compare to any other nation in the world.
source: Blogspot
As we reach our 70th year of Independence, it is shown that he couldn’t have been more right. No matter what struggles or obstacles we encounter, we face them head on and emerge stronger and wiser.We never sacrifice our principles because doing so would mean that we let this nation down, which no true Pakistani would ever do.
Here are 5 traditions in every Pakistani family that arose due to our love for Pakistan.
1. Going to a flag-hoisting ceremony
On every 14th August, there are flag-hoisting ceremonies where people get together and watch the national flag go up on a pole to the tune of the national anthem. This small gesture carries the sentiments of several generations of Pakistanis who gave up everything they had so that this country would prosper.
There are ceremonies everywhere. From big ones at places like the Mazar-e-Quaid to small ones at places like a primary school, families attend these ceremonies with an almost religious fervor. When the clock strikes 9 a.m., they put on white/green clothes that they’d picked out the night before and pile up in the family car to head off to one of these ceremonies. If you don’t believe me, wait till they upload their pictures all over Facebook and see for yourself!
2. Putting Each Other First
If you ask any random Pakistani on the streets about what matters most to them, chances are that they’ll name a family member or refer to family as a whole. The joy you feel whenever you achieve something is always doubled when you have someone to share it with. Even our Quaid constantly had his sister, Fatima Jinnah, by his side to support her.
source: Tribune
The citizens of this nation understand the importance of family and you can see it in the littlest things. A perfect example of this is when, after spending the entire day out, families come home for dinner and afterward, sit on the couch together or in front of the TV, sharing a tub of ice-cream. This reminds me of the time when my Dada and Dadi used to share partition stories and our entire family used to bond over a tub of ice-cream!
An act as simple can be as simple as that and mean so much. You don’t need to buy your family expensive things or take them to fancy dinners. Just spending the day eating ice cream together with your children can be and usually is one of the nicest feelings ever!
3. Going out with friends
source: pakenews.com
After spending the morning and afternoon with your family by blood, you go out in the evening and night with your family by choice. Be it sitting at a dhabba and sipping chai while watching the parade by the army on a tiny television set or going to the beach on motorcycles, the enthusiasm between all of you is so contagious that what you’re doing doesn’t even matter- just that you’re doing it together!
4. Decorating Your Home
They say home is where the heart is, and since our home is Pakistan, our heart is there as well. So what better way to show our patriotism than by decorating our home with the national colors, green and white?
source: fashioncentral.pk
It doesn’t have to be a big, fancy house for us to decorate it. We hang a flag outside our windows. Put up buntings outside our gallery or on our doors. We even decorate our cars. Anything to show our patriotism!
source: Tribune
source: mosthdwallpapers.com
5. Helping Those Who Can’t Afford To Celebrate
Even though most of us are privileged enough to afford to go out and celebrate the 14th of August like this, not everyone is so lucky. It is a proud tradition of every Pakistani to help those people so that one day they, too, will have the reason and means to celebrate.
Source: Pak Soldiers
Edhi sahab was one of the many people who did this and even though he is no longer with us, his legacy will be continued by the many Pakistanis who have the same kindness in their hearts as he did and one day, every single Pakistani will be able to celebrate Independence Day with equally great enthusiasm and excitement!
What other traditions do you observe on 14th August that you think should have been in this article? Tell us in the comments below!
