#pakistani eid dresses

[la-wardrobe]

Embrace Tradition with Pakistani Eid Collection in the USA: A Fusion of Elegance and Culture

Eid, the joyous festival marking the end of Ramadan, brings myriad traditions, celebrations, and, of course, stunning fashion. For Pakistanis residing in the USA, maintaining cultural ties while embracing Eid's essence is paramount. This fusion of heritage and modernity is beautifully encapsulated in the Pakistani Eid collections in the USA, where traditional attire meets contemporary trends, offering a unique blend of elegance and culture.

One of the most captivating aspects of Pakistani Eid collections in the USA is the vibrant diversity they bring to the fashion landscape. From intricately embroidered shalwar kameez to glamorous saris and luxurious lehengas, each ensemble tells a story of craftsmanship and tradition. These garments are not merely clothing; they reflect Pakistan's rich cultural heritage, passed down through generations and now making their mark on the global stage.

Their attention to detail and exquisite craftsmanship sets Pakistani Eid collections apart. Pakistani artisans are renowned for their mastery of embroidery techniques such as zardozi, gota, and threadwork, which adorn fabrics with stunning motifs and designs. Each stitch carries a legacy of craftsmanship, adding depth and character to every outfit. Whether it's the delicate embellishments on a chiffon dupatta or the intricate patterns on a silk kurta, these elements elevate Pakistani Eid dress to a league of its own.

Furthermore, Pakistani Eid collections in the USA offer various styles to suit every taste and occasion. Whether you prefer the timeless elegance of a classic shalwar kameez or the regal splendour of a heavily embellished Anarkali, there is something for everyone. Moreover, designers are constantly innovating, infusing traditional silhouettes with modern cuts and trends to cater to the evolving preferences of the diaspora community.

Their versatility is another aspect that makes Pakistani Eid collections in the USA desirable. These outfits are not confined to Eid celebrations alone but can be worn at festivals, weddings, and cultural events throughout the year. They symbolise pride and identity for Pakistanis living abroad, allowing them to connect with their roots while embracing their multicultural identities. Moreover, the accessibility of Pakistani Eid collections in the USA has significantly increased in recent years, thanks to the rise of online shopping platforms and boutiques catering to South Asian fashion. This accessibility has not only made it easier for Pakistani Americans to procure authentic attire. Still, it has also enabled non-Pakistani enthusiasts to appreciate and incorporate these exquisite pieces into their wardrobes.

In addition to their aesthetic appeal, Pakistani Eid collections in the USA also play a significant role in fostering cultural exchange and understanding. Through fashion, Pakistanis living in the USA share glimpses of their heritage with the broader community, sparking conversations and forging connections across cultural boundaries. It's not just about wearing beautiful clothes; it's about celebrating diversity and honouring traditions.

In conclusion, Pakistani Eid collections in the USA offer more than just stylish attire; they embody a fusion of elegance and culture, bridging the gap between tradition and modernity. From their exquisite craftsmanship to their versatility and accessibility, these collections serve as a testament to the rich tapestry of Pakistani heritage. So this Eid, whether you're celebrating in Karachi or New York City, embrace the beauty of Pakistani fashion and let your style reflect the vibrant culture it represents.

[palipunk]

I love watching videos on Eid clothes and how everyone is wearing their traditional clothing to the masjid it’s so beautiful mashallah

[rabia011]

We slayed alright… it’s unfortunate for those poor bakaras though! 🐄🐐🐑#eidmubarak #eidaladha #celebration #hajj #bakaraeid #muslim #Pakistani #desi #ootd #ootn #dress #fashion #style #trendy #fancy #pose #model #selfie #eid #party #fun #suit #glam #elegant #formal #classy #paki #Eid2022 #family #cousins (at Milton, Ontario) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cf2v9Z_uRK6/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[mohifashion]

Eid 2024 Outfit Ideas

Eid-ul-Fitr 2024, also known as Eid ul-Fitr, marks the conclusion of Ramadan fasting, celebrated as the "Sweet Eid," symbolizing the end of Roza observed throughout Ramadan. It typically falls within the first three days of Shawwal, following Ramadan, commencing with communal dawn prayers. According to Islamic history, in this month Muslims fought the first war which took place in Badr city of Medina province of Saudi Arabia. That is why that war is called Jang-e-Badar. Muslims were victorious in that war.India is a diverse land where various religions coexist harmoniously, allowing people the freedom to celebrate their festivals and fairs according to their unique traditions and rituals with great zeal and enthusiasm.

This festive occasion brings Muslims together worldwide for feasts, prayers, and charitable deeds, embodying unity and compassion. In 2024, as part of the celebrations, there's a focus on Eid outfits and dress designs, Eid dress pakistan with Indian dress trends adding vibrant colors and intricate designs to the festivities, reflecting cultural diversity and creativity in the expression of faith and joy.

Trending Eid outfit ideas 2024 : 

Eid holds immense significance as a joyous occasion celebrated worldwide, and selecting the ideal Eid outfit is pivotal to the festivities. With a diverse array of choices ranging from traditional elegance to contemporary trends, women have numerous options to elevate their style this Ramzan.

Online  trending indian dresses women for Eid 2024   : 

Anarkali Suit for Eid Festival:

Embrace the timeless elegance of Anarkali suits adorned with heavy embroidery work. Perfect for Eid outfit ideas  is  Roop Pine Green Bandhani Anarkali Set  with heavy Dupatta exude grace and sophistication, making them an ideal choice for those seeking a regal look. Whether you opt for vibrant colors or subtle hues, an Anarkali suit will surely make you the center of attention at any Eid gathering.

Lehenga for Eid Occasion:

Elevate your Eid dresses women with the enchanting allure of the Burgundy Net Sequins and Thread Embroidery Lehenga Choli & Dupatta set. This exquisite ensemble perfectly blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design elements, making it a must-have for fashion enthusiasts. Adorned with intricate sequins and thread embroidery, and crafted from luxurious net fabric, this Lehenga choli set exudes opulence and sophistication. Whether you gravitate towards timeless classics or embrace modern trends, this captivating ensemble offers the perfect balance of elegance and glamour to complement your personal style and elevate your Eid ensemble.

Sharara Set for Eid 2024:

Eid 2024 dress is just around the corner, and it's time to start planning your perfect festive ensemble. If you're looking to make a bold statement and stand out from the crowd, the Orange Crepe Sharara Set is an absolute must-have for your wardrobe.Crafted with precision and style, this Sharara set exudes elegance and charm. The vibrant orange hue adds a pop of color to your Eid ul fitr celebration, while the eid dresses in pakistan is  crepe fabric drapes beautifully, ensuring comfort and grace all day long.

This Eid, elevate your style game with the best trending Indian dresses for women. Whether you choose an Anarkali suit for its timeless appeal, a Lehenga for its modern twist, or a Sharara set for its statement-making charm, make sure to dress to impress and celebrate this special occasion in style.

FAQ :

1. What should I wear for Eid?

A. Anarkali Kurtas,  lehengas, Shararas, Suits and Sarees Eid happens to fall in hot Summers and always look for the outfits that looks elegant yet airy and light weight

2. How do Musilms dress for eid 

A. Muslim women typically dress elegantly for Eid, often wearing colorful traditional garments like Anarkalis, Salwar Kameez, Shararas, Sarees, abayas, hijabs, or jilbabs.

3. When is Eid 2024 date?

A. Eid al-Fitr in 2024 is on Wednesday, April 10th, 2024. It marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting, though the exact date may vary depending on the sighting of the moon.

[buyindianwear]

The top and bottom are made of faux georgette with chain stitch work and sequins. It comes with a santoon inner and a dupatta made of faux georgette with chain stitch work and sequins with four side lace around it.

It can be stitched in all sizes small medium large and extra large. Minimum 28 inches to maximum 44 inches chest size.

[comfystuffgifts]

[diyaonlineofficial]

Beautiful Wedding Lehenga for Brides-made

Lehenga Choli is clearly one of the most beautiful, traditional, and fashionable means of outfit that one can wear in marriage, engagement, Important family functions. With the marriage season coming up, it’s time to hold and flaunt your self with stylish Lehenga choli and other traditional attire.

Diya Online (an online store) offering a plethora of ethnic wear, especially bridals Lehenga choli, Pakistani Suits, Sari etc. also, one of the most exciting and satisfying factors is that we offer Lehenga for every event from Engagement, Mehendi to Sangeet to Marriage.

DIYA ONLINE’s Exclusive Designer Lehenga Range-

A wide range of Indian bridal lehenga choli, marriage Lehenga dresses, Shop graceful and elegant Bridal-made Lehenga choli. https://www.diyaonline.com/women/clothing/lehenga.html

[masafi-online]

Eid special offer ,, Indian/Pakistani women's fashion, Bollywood party dress , Georgette Colored Palazzo Salwar kamiz , order now below link-

https://amzn.to/3ajZWtj

[zumaira]

Women Fashion Eid Dresses 2022 By Farah Talib Aziz

Women Fashion Eid Dresses 2022 By Farah Talib Aziz

[magazinepk]

Women Fashion Eid Dresses 2022 By Farah Talib Aziz

Women Fashion Eid Dresses 2022 By Farah Talib Aziz

[toychest321]

While I was looking into Fulla dolls, I found out another Muslim fashion doll was released around the same time!

Meet Razanne! (And be prepared for a loooooong deep dive under the Keep Reading lol)

From what I've been able to piece together from various sources, she was created by Palestinian-American Ammar Saadeh and his wife Noor in 1996, being initially launched through the internet before more publicly advertised to Middle-Eastern and American audiences in 2004. Their goal was to show Muslim girls that "what matters is what's inside you, not how you look" (quoted from an interview with Greensoboro News and Record). They wanted to give them a role model with an emphasis on education and religion, while also having a career! To reflect the diversity of the global Muslim ummah, each of her dolls came in three variants: Pakistani-Indian (olive skin w/ dark hair), Black (dark skin w/ dark hair), and Caucasian (fair skin w/ fair hair).

While unfortunately she's no longer in production, the WayBack machine has a record of all her dolls released through the Noorart website! Each doll listing also includes additional information to educate on Islamic culture!

First there's Schoolgirl Razanne, whose listing reads:

"Razanne loves school and is all ready with her bright red book bag to join her friends in class. For your information…Traditional uniforms are worn by schoolgirls in Islamic schools. In addition to the usual subjects, students also study the Arabic language and the Qur'an - the Muslim Holy Book."

Next we have Teacher Razanne, whose listing reads:

"What is a more honorable and specialized career than education? Our teacher Razanne comes full equipped with lap top computer, briefcase and all the necessary items for school. For your information... Many Muslim girls study to become educators. Two-piece suits with jacket and skirt are popular styles for Muslim women who work outside the home as teachers or other professionals."

There's Playday Razanne, who unlike the prior two came with no accessories, her listing reads:

"Dressing modestly doesn't keep Razanne from having fun! On the playground, Razanne plays in her scarf and a loose fitting jumper that gives her lots of room to run and jump. For your information... Dressing modestly doesn't prevent Muslim girls from having fun outdoors! Whether biking, skating, on the playground or at the park children manage to have fun no matter where they are!"

We also have a Muslim Scout Razanne, who came with a free audiotape of Muslim Scout Cheers and a preview of We Love Muhammad! Her listing reads:

"'I'm honest, kind and trustworthy.' Muslim Scouts' organizations all over the world help build character and skills for success in this life and the next. Razanne wears her merit badges and awards earned for community service, Islamic behavior and Qur'an memorization. Respect for Allah, parents and all members of the community are a top priority with Razanne. For your information…like all Scout troops, Muslim Scouts are encouraged to excel in personal attributes such as honesty, cooperation and leadership as well as taking an active part in community service and environmental protection."

Next up there's Eid Mubarak Razanne, which came two different color variants for her outfit, her listing reading:

"Razanne is all ready to celebrate the Muslim holiday. Dressed in her new floral fashions of pink or blue, Razanne has Eid cards addressed to all her friends and is ready to deocorate the party with balloons. The perfect Eid gift for any girl! For your information… Muslims celebrate two major festivals each year. One is the Eid Al Fitr following the month-long fast of Ramadan. A second holiday occurs during the annual Pilgrimage to Makkah. Children and adults look forward to these two special days with great anticipation. Before the Eid the entire family goes out shopping for new clothes to wear for Eid Day. Early Eid morning the family meets with other members of the community for an Eid Prayer then disperse to family gatherings and other celebrations. Children are often given gifts of toys or money and families exchange delectable sweets that differ according to the region in which they live. Muslims exchange greetings of Eid Mubarak,"Eid Congratulations", Eid Saeed, "Happy Eid" and wish each other a coming year full of God's blessings. Kul 'am wa anta bi khair!"

I wasn't able to find any other images for Prayer Razanne like the others unfortunately, and apparently she came with accessories too! Her listing reads:

"Allahu Akbar! God is the Greatest! It's time to pray and Razanne is ready! When it's time for prayer, many Muslim girls cover their everyday clothes with these traditional two-piece garments and stand to pray on colorful prayer rugs. We receive so many letters from customers that tell us that Razanne usually joins the family for salah! For your information… when it's time for prayer, many Muslim girls cover their everyday clothes with these traditional two-piece garments and stand to pray on colorful prayer rugs. Muslim women may pray in congregation at the Mosque but it is often more convenient to pray the five daily prayers at home."

And finally we have In And Out Razanne, whose listing reads:

"In and Out Razanne comes with a two-piece fashion set for wear inside and outside the home. At home Razanne loves to dress in all the latest fashions. In a minute she can be ready to go out with this traditional jilbaab coat. Razanne helps Muslim girls understand that in the home they can be the ultimate fashion statement yet still have attractive attire while dressing modestly outside the home. For your information…Razanne helps Muslim girls understand that in the home they can be the ultimate fashion statement yet still have attractive attire while dressing modestly outside the home."

I'm honestly so glad I found this, because doing research into this doll has been a blast! I love the vintage vibes of her outfits with the patterns and color choices, and it makes me really happy seeing this doll being used as an educational tool for Islamic culture and practices!

Thank you to limbedolls.blogspot.com, emel.com, Greensboro News and Record, and "Framing Muslims" by Peter Morey and Amina Yaqin for the information that went into this long-ass post!

Ramadan Kareem!

[naramdil]

controversial take but pakistani ppl in america have no clue how to dress. they dress the same regardless of the occasion. why do you look the same attending a dholki as you going to the baraat?? why do you look like you’re going to a wedding during eid prayer? if you’re a bride you don’t have to get your mehndi done and wear full bridal glam and jewelry just to sit at your own dholki!! every event calls for it’s own dress code and I feel like instagram and tiktok have encouraged people to entirely lose the plot.

this isn’t even limited to dress it’s the way that every event has to be turned into an Event™️ like dholkis originated as casual events?? people in pakistan just pull out the dhol after dinner to have some fun and create an atmosphere of celebration when someone in the family is getting married. it is simple, you decorate minimally, you dress minimally. it does not make sense to celebrate every event with instagram decor! some things in life are meant to be simpler! and that’s okay! they’re still meaningful and festive!

[wlwsuperheroine]

I just finished ms. marvel the show for the first time. so short answer is: wowwww but long answer is: it has some positives and negatives.

Let’s start with negatives.

Changing Kamala’s powers. I know kamala isn’t as popular as some long time heroes but embegging is her whole gimmick! It’s like if someone took Peter Parker and gave him the powers of a snail and was called snail-man. And her powers are so cool too. I was so excited to see CGI stretching and polymorphic powers, you can do the hands part via literally iPhone camera, how could the whole marvel budget didn’t cut it?? No we got to have… light, for some reason. I’m just scared that other adaptation are going to do the same like in some new comics or games or something, I really, really hope not

Misrepresentation. This one is debatable, because as Muslim, the bar we have for American shows to represent us isn’t even on the floor, it’s lower, so I was pleasantly surprised to find that they didn’t 100% mess it up. But still there are so many minor technicalities, that might seem minor for someone outside of the religion/culture but for those are part of it, it’s a really big deal. Like some scenes, doing wudu with nail polish on, posting in the masjid, a dad telling his son to stop praying, so many words used in the wrong context, the whole djinn concept just shows that there was no Muslim opinion taken into consideration during filming.

the so many love interests. Like, 3, seriously, one wasn’t enough?? There shouldn’t even be one, but I digress. And just all the scenes involving the romantic subtext of each one literally made my blood boil. Literally this whole point could summarised to just the boys, they were so unnecessary.

And now let’s get to the positives, because despite the points made previously, I really enjoyed this show.

The representation. As I said before, it’s perfect, but it’s not bad. Then again, the only thing we share is us being Muslim. I’m Arab where kamala is Pakistani and these things heavily affect how people practice Islam, and also I live in a Muslim, Arab country where almost everyone is Muslim where kamala live the US, a place where she’s a minority. So of course there will be differences between our experiences. But I love how many arabic phrases were spoken during the show, the Eid scene, the masjid scene, the whole wedding episode. It was all so good and nice and representative.

My favourite thing about the show honestly is how artistic and stylised it is. They weren’t very consistent with it, but it was still good. All the different fonts and styles for the ms marvel intro was so amazing, I want to screenshot every frame. The credits are so well done too. When they want to show how daydreamy kamala is and there’s doodles around and different pieces of media incorporated in that. It was all so creative. The intro captain america scene was one of my top 5, to be honest

I love the costume design, especially kamala’s. They were all so modest, obviously. But they also showed Kamala’s personality, through her drawing and patches and just the colours and everything. They were so many stars and bolts, It’s just so similar to how I dress.

The progression of her relationship with her mom. I genuinely think that there’s no greater or stronger or closer bond between two people in this whole wide world than between a mother and her eldest daughter, and this show is only one of the many many examples of that. And it’s so relatable and realistic, like her mom being overprotective and hovering because that’s the result of generational trauma and how her mom was too distant, and she was just doing her best and just wants the best for her daughter and Kamala is such a sweet girl. So many of their scene together made my heart melt.

Centralising not just family, but the matriarchs in the family was such a smart move. because mothers truly are the ones who make families and heritage and everything is always tied back to them. Something something the souls of mothers residing in their daughters. The whole partition train episode had me bawling my eyes out.

The rest is just some things I love about kamala generally in every adaptation/timeline/universe

I just really love how unapologetically nerdy and dorky kamala is. She’s such a fangirl, she loves comics and superheros (usually women) and of course captain marvel. And she engages in that, she draws and make projects and her whole room is decorated in what interests like her. I just really love people like that, both fictional and in real life. (I may be projecting but I feel like it’s giving adhd, like it’s giving hyperfixation.)

Showing the brown girl experience of idolising older white women and wishing that we could do everything they do, but still believing that we can’t because of a variety of reasons but then overcoming that and doing the things you wanna do your way anyway

Just how good kamala is. She’s so polite but still speaks her mind respectfully. She helps people all the time even when she doesn’t have to. she’s always so nice and sympathetic to everyone. And even though she can become a giant, that is her greatest strength because people always want to repay her goodness and they always want to help her back. And it’s just so heartwarming.

[pyoorofficial]

Budget-Friendly Pakistani Suit Options for Eid

As Eid approaches, the search for the perfect Pakistani suit begins. This festive occasion calls for special outfit, and this blog aims to guide you in finding budget-friendly options. Whether you're looking for a traditional Pakistani suit design or planning to buy Pakistani suits online from stores like PYOOR, we've got you covered.

Understanding the Significance of Eid Attire

Eid is a joyful  occasion, and the tradition of dressing up adds to its beauty. Traditionally, in India or Pakistan, women wears suits to celebrate. Each suit, be it a Salwar Kameez, Anarkali, Sharara, or Lehenga Kameez, carries cultural significance and showcases rich heritage. When choosing your Eid outfit, it's essential to consider not only style but also tradition and comfort. Exploring various Pakistani suit designs, especially those available through Pakistani suit online platforms like PYOOR, can help you find the perfect outfit that embodies elegance and cultural richness without compromising on comfort.

Exploring Budget-Friendly Pakistani Eid Suits

Fortunately, dressing in a beautiful Pakistani suit for Eid doesn't need a high price tag. Numerous affordable options on the market cater to different styles and budgets. For instance, ready-to-wear collections often offer elegant Pakistani suit designs at lower prices. On the other hand, unstitched suits give you the freedom to customize your outfit, potentially saving you money on heavy decoration or detailed embroidery. When searching for budget-friendly options, you can find a variety of Pakistani suits online from reputable brands like PYOOR, which offer stylish and affordable collections that ensure you look your best without overspending. Here are some of the suit designs that you can find online:

1.  SITARA Set, by Pyoor

The SITARA Set by Pyoor features a stunning Pakistani suit design, perfect for Eid. This elegant outfit combines traditional charm with modern style, offering a comfortable fit and intricate detailing. Available in Pakistani suits online, the SITARA Set ensures you look chic and festive without breaking the bank. Ideal for anyone seeking affordable and beautiful Eid attire.

2. Pakeeza Organza Suit Set, by Pyoor

The Pakeeza Organza Suit Set by Pyoor is a beautiful blend of elegance and comfort. This stunning Pakistani suit design features delicate organza fabric, perfect for festive occasions. You can easily find this stylish outfit among the many Pakistani suits online, making it a convenient and fashionable choice for any special event.

3. NILE Set: Middle Eastern Fit

Introducing the NILE Set—a Middle Eastern Fit by Pyoor! This exquisite outfit, crafted with precision, embodies the essence of Turkish dress design. Perfect for Eid or any special occasion, this set combines traditional elegance with modern flair. Available online, Pyoor offers an array of Pakistani suits, Eastern wear dresses ensuring you find the perfect outfit effortlessly.

Enhancing Your Eid Look with Accessories

Accessories are essential for elevating your Eid outfit, especially with Pakistani suit designs. A statement dupatta can instantly transform a simple suit into an elegant outfit . When searching for Pakistani suits online, explore PYOOR's collection for budget-friendly options. Traditional jewellery pieces like jhumkas or bangles add a festive touch to your attire. Even on a budget, investing in a few versatile accessories can enhance your Eid look without overspending. Whether it's a classic salwar kameez or other Pakistani suit designs, the right accessories can make a significant difference in your overall appearance. Prioritise quality accessories to complement your outfit and celebrate Eid in style.

Explore PYOOR for your online shopping of Eid Suits.

PYOOR offers a world of style and convenience for those seeking Pakistani suits online. Our chosen collection is tailored specifically for Eid, showcasing a stunning array of Pakistani suit designs to enrich your festive wardrobe. From timeless classics to contemporary creations, we provide options to suit every taste and budget. Each piece is crafted with detailed attention to detail and quality, ensuring you find the perfect outfit for your celebrations. With PYOOR, shopping for Eid suits is seamless and delightful. Outshine the spirit of celebration and style this Eid with our latest collection of Pakistani suits online.

[mariammagsi]

Christmas in Pakistan

Image: Annual traditions of decorating and lighting up the Christmas tree at our family's residence in Karachi, Pakistan. © Mariam Magsi

As an immigrant from Pakistan who has called Canada home for 18 years, whenever the winter holidays come around, I am often asked the following question: Do you celebrate Christmas in Pakistan?

While some folks approach these topics through a lens of othering, others are genuinely curious to know more about my motherland and the kinds of holidays and festivities we celebrate. Despite a rising influx of influencers and white tourists flocking to various provinces of Pakistan, and with a breadth of material available online, for the most part, a lot of folks have no knowledge about the existence of non-Muslim communities in Pakistan, such as Hindu, Christian and Zoroastrian Pakistanis and how their respective religious vernacular has evolved in the region, impacted and shaped by several socio-political and cultural factors.

I must also preface this blog piece by stating, that while there are some communities, clans and families practicing pluralism and religious/cultural diversity in Pakistan, religious minorities continue to face oppression and marginalization by intolerant and hegemonic right-wing forces. I received a firsthand glimpse into this rising intolerance, when several members of my Pakistani community reached out at the end of last year to say that “Muslims should not say Merry Christmas to Christians as it is haram” (unlawful or forbidden). Because I was raised in a pluralistic household, I reject the creation of insular, exclusionary, rigid and polar worlds.

Image: One of Asia's largest bulletproof crosses, towering over Karachi's only operational Christian cemetery known as Gora Qabristan or "White man's graveyard." © Mariam Magsi

I had the unique privilege of being raised by a Punjabi mother is Punjabi and a Baloch father. They originate from entirely different provincial and cultural backgrounds, and fought very hard to transcend ethnic segregation, race and class to be together, despite several barriers. They struggled with lack of support and financial challenges, and several of their family members were vocally against their Baloch Punjabi union. Still, they persisted, and persevered. Within our home, our caregivers consisted of people from every religious background imaginable, including Hindu and Christian. As the years went by and our family grew, people from the Philippines, Bangladesh and Afghanistan also joined our home. Elders from my paternal Baloch Magsi clan also became important life guides and lived in our house with us. I was offered a healthy, robust exposure to multiple generations and their unique ways of worshiping, eating, dressing and living within the same household.

Image: My mother, siblings and I traveling through Jhal Magsi, Balochistan, the Philippines and Karachi, Pakistan with our diverse caregivers and family members. © Magsi Family Archives

My siblings and I were enrolled in a Catholic convent school nestled within a British education system. Celebrating Christmas in school was as natural as celebrating Eid. My parents shared close ties with the local and foreign Christian nuns who ran the establishment and had also forged friendships with priests in the clergy. To further illustrate this closeness, one of my sisters was even christened in the chapel at the school. There was a seamless integration of Islam with Christianity, and there was nothing abnormal about it. One could be rooted in their faith of birth, and fluid with faith-based practices. This helped us develop a flexible understanding of faith-based practices and how they are not static, but constantly evolving through contact with environmental influences and encounters.

Image: Filling out festive greeting cards to be snail mailed to my loved ones. © Mariam Magsi

The days leading up to Christmas were filled with so much excitement. A fresh stack of greeting cards was placed in front of us on the night of Christmas eve, and by the next morning the cards were filled with warm wishes in our writing, ready to be given out with gift packages to all of our loved ones. I remember visiting the local bakery to order fresh, creamy, soft-sponge cakes, crispy chicken patties and marzipans. Then we’d go to the bazaar with our mother to pick out colourful fruit baskets, festive ornaments and a Christmas tree. One year we even found fake snow that came in a can and erupted like silly string. We wore new and sparkly clothes, just like we did on Eid holidays, and made our way to St. Anthony’s church for Christmas mass with our Christian caregivers. We’d sing along with all the hymns, walk up to the priests to get communion, and then zip back around using holy water to cross ourselves. There was nothing odd or other worldly about it. I remember looking around at the congregation and noticing that there were so many people in skirts and dresses in one setting in Pakistan. The sounds of heels clicking away on the glossy floors would echo against the stained glass windows. Women would reach into their glittering, sequined purses and pull out hand-held fans to cool their sweaty brows, while using wrinkled tissue paper to blot their melting, crimson lipstick. After Christmas mass, my siblings, caregivers and I would pile up into our pick-up truck and head straight to school to wish the nuns, and distribute gifts to the clergy.

Image: A letter from our Christian Pakistani family friends, Ms Theresa and Uncle Gaspar dated November 25th, 1994. This was the first letter they mailed over to our family after their migration to Canada. © Magsi Family Archives

Late Christmas nights were usually spent with family friends Uncle Gaspar and Ms. Theresa in their apartment. The elders gathered around bottles of secretly imported brandy, rum and wine, while us kids dashed to the dessert table ornamented with some of the world’s finest homemade toffee, fudge and cakes made by Ms.Theresa, who was not only my educator, but also very close with my mother. Today, like most other Christian people in our networks, many families have migrated to Canada, UK and USA for higher income opportunities, safety and religious freedom. Many of these migrations began in the 90s and year after year, our festive celebrations and get-togethers grew smaller with more and more Christian Pakistanis leaving the country on a permanent basis.

One of my closest paternal aunts is American with Nicaraguan roots. When she arrived in Pakistan from the USA to join our family, she brought with her many American holiday traditions that became the norm in our homes over Christmas time. Every December, Chachi (paternal aunt) Carmen opened her doors to all of the family’s children for tree decoration traditions, stuffed turkey with mashed potatoes and merrymaking.

Chinese and Pinoy foods were also a regular feature on our festive dinner tables. Our primary caregiver, Ate (older sister) Flordeliza Sauza introduced us to many foods from her motherland, such as, Pancit, Chicken Adobo and Siopao, which we greatly enjoyed especially over festive, winter holidays. Though Ate Liza, as we lovingly know her, identifies as Catholic, she seamlessly adopted many Muslim faith-based practices as well. She not only prayed with us on Fridays, but she also participated in Zikr (meditative chanting of the 99 names of Allah in Arabic). On Sundays, we went to church with her.

Image: Lighting candles at an Orthodox monastery in Milton, Ontario in memory of our deceased loved ones. © Mariam Magsi

After my marriage to a person from the Balkans, my own awareness and knowledge about Christmas has expanded. After all, we were primarily exposed to Catholicism in Pakistan. Though my husband converted to Islam and now identifies as Muslim, he was born in an Orthodox Christian family, and we have chosen to carry on many of the beautiful Christmas and Easter traditions he was raised with. January 7th is Orthodox Christmas. We usually start the day by making a trip to the monastery and light candles for our deceased loved ones in honour of their memory. Traditionally, on Orthodox Christmas eve, people place “badnjak” (oak tree branches) into a fire, but because this isn’t possible in urban households, a community center or monastery is usually designated for the ritual. Of the many food traditions I have observed and adopted from my beloved’s mother, one of my favourites is hiding coins, cloves and other items in bread to signify luck, wealth and health. The bread is baked fresh, and the entire family comes around the dinner table to break into it. Everyone receives a portion of the bread, usually with a symbolic item hidden inside that will signify the trajectory of the year pertaining to health and good fortune.

Image: My beloved, Gordan Sumanski and I, celebrating Catholic and Orthodox Christmas in our home in Toronto. © Mariam Magsi

Holidays Mubarak! Merry Christmas!

Image: Allah engraved in Arabic on wood, an Orthodox crucifix rosary from Egypt and a Turkish evil eye installed on the entrance wall of our home in Toronto. © Mariam Magsi

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Make Eid 2024 special by wearing this gorgeous Eid dress made using georgette with embroidery. The bottom is made of santoon and it comes with nazmin dupatta with embroidery.

It can be stitched in all sizes small medium large and extra large. Minimum 28 inches to maximum 44 inches chest size.