Tuesday, August 15, 2006

Independence Day

Little green flags are everywhere these days as the Independence Day holiday approaches. A bicycle goes by adorned in plastic green flags. Flags are being sold at all the main squares. All the historic buildings are lit up for the celebration, and security is tight. I’ve been stopped three times in the last two days by army men making sure I’m not intent on sabotage. As talks of overthrowing the president and his military government fill the airwaves, everyone is cautious.

Despite all the preparations, it doesn’t seem like anyone is doing anything special for independence day. In the U.S. it’s the day for barbecues, beach volleyball, fireworks, and celebrating with friends and family. Don’t forget the ketchup, hotdogs & hamburgers! I asked one of my friends if there was any tradition or any event that was happening for the holiday and he replied,

“Well here Independence Day is not a public holiday. It’s only celebrated in Islamabad and by the government officials. Any party is arranged and paid for by the government because the people aren’t in the habit of celebrating it.”

“That’s strange,” I commented. “In the U.S. it’s one of the biggest holidays of the year.”

“Well in your country the people fought for independence. They wanted it. Here it just came on us whether we wanted it or not. So that’s why it’s not really a public holiday.”

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hmm, thats strange. From what I've heard, Pakistanis are extremely patriotic. And that bit about not wanting Independence...Didn't the people work really hard to get a separate country for the Muslims?

Anonymous said...

Thats not true..Independence day is highly celebrated here...not only by the people but also by the government..
I think you didn't go out on Mall and other places on 13th of Aug..well you should have..

Heather said...

It seemed that it was celebrated more by the government than the people, but I was only able to observe on the news and in my area of Lahore. I didn't go out to the Mall on Aug 13th because due to the chaos on Ferozepur Road (where I lived) I didn't think it would be safe!

What would have been the events taking place on the Mall?

Anonymous said...

On mall and other places like fortress and main boulevard....you can see boys partying...dancin with loud music in the cars...its all night party...
but you see..we have our own way of celebrating our independence day...
we don't play volly ball and have picnics...
but yes there are fire works...concerts..parties...
and stuff..
its celebration in desi style :)