The important festivals of the year are either religious occasions or a commemoration of the creation of the country. Eid-al-Fitr follows the month of fasting, Ramadan. Eid-al-Adha is celebrated in memory of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son to God. These religious holidays vary every year according to the lunar calendar and are occasions for families and friends to visit each other, share gifts and special treats. People dress in their finest clothes for these festivities. Money is donated to the poor and an animal is sacrificed by those who can afford it.
National holidays include: Independence Day (August 14); Death anniversary of Quaid-E-Azam, Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan (September 11); Birthday of Quaid-E-Azam (December 25). Other holidays are Pakistan Day (March 23) which commemorates the passing of the Pakistan Resolution; National Defense Day (September 6); Labor Day (May 1).
Did you know? Pakistan was created as a homeland for Muslims, so most of the important festivals of the year are either religious or a commemoration of the birth of the country.