Benshaadi

A Benshaadi is a cultural holiday accustom to those of Christian Pakistani, or Christian Indian heritage. The event is celebrated once every 10 years, and many families travel to the Pakistan-India border to pay respects to those who have passed away since the previous Benshaadi. The principle of the celebration is to unite the Christians who were separated from their families in the partition of India and Pakistan. With Christianity being a minority in both Pakistan and India, the event is of much importance to the families who attend. The celebration lasts between 10 and 15 days, in July (usually 15 weeks after Easter) and within that time, individuals will give thanks to God, and spend more time with family, especially those who are newlywed, or have just welcomed a baby.

Prior to the Benshaadi, many often fast for 6 weeks to show their commitment to God and their religion (excluding pregnant women, under 18's and women who are menstruating), and within this time it is expected for everyone to turn their focus towards God, with prayers occurring more regularly throughout the day.

India Pakistan Border

Traditions

Although the Benshaadi is a relatively new holiday, traditions have amassed, often with new additions every celebration. They range from gospel and choir related activities to candle lighting and bonfires.

Some of the most common activities include:

1. Writing messages to loves ones in heaven on blessed paper and burning it to send to them.
2. The communion.
3. Sharing traditional desi sweets, such as Laddu, Gulab Jamun and Jalebi.
4. Singing and preaching to those in the slums/ poorer parts of the countries.
5. Donating money to charities.

History

The celebration was created following the division of India and Pakistan in 1980, following 9 years after the war between the two states. With the rise in terrorism after the separation, this often left individuals with no family, and an unclear ancestry history isolated and alone. The hope of a new life and beginning began when the Benshaadi was introduced, and often new connections are made and family history is rediscovered. Although the origin of the Benshaadi remains unclear, it is thought to bring unity between India and Pakistan, and provide hostility, re connection and peace among those who attend.

Despite the attempts to bring unity and peace from the event, some times Benshaadi's are stopped by police, or in extreme cases terrorized.

References

This article "Benshaadi" is from Wikipedia. The list of its authors can be seen in its historical and/or the page Edithistory:Benshaadi. Articles copied from Draft Namespace on Wikipedia could be seen on the Draft Namespace of Wikipedia and not main one.

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