Local Customs & Etiquette in Multan, Pakistan

Multan, Pakistan, Multan, Local Insights & Practical Info, Local Customs & Etiquette

Local Customs & Etiquette in Multan, Pakistan

1. Visit to Bahauddin Zakaria Shrine

Pay respect at the tomb of Sufi saint Bahauddin Zakariya (RA), learn about Sufism and its role in Pakistani culture.
  • Respectful Dress: Dress modestly, shoulders and knees covered for both men and women.
  • Proper Behavior: Maintain silence during prayers and follow the guidelines provided by the shrine authorities.
  • Gift Giving: Offerings such as flowers or money are acceptable, but it's important to do so respectfully.

2. Exploring Shah Rukn-e-Alam Tomb

Visit the architectural marvel built by Sultan Rukn-ud-Din Khan, showcasing Qutb Shahi architecture.
  • Respectful Photography: Avoid taking pictures during prayers or inside the main prayer hall.
  • Shoes Removal: Remove shoes before entering the tomb complex, following local customs and preserving the site.
  • Gift-giving Customs: It's common to offer a small donation or flowers at the graves of saints inside the tomb complex.

3. Attending Sufi Music Sessions

Experience Qawwali, a form of Sufi music, in traditional settings such as the shrines or cultural centers.
  • Respectful Audience Participation: Clap along with the rhythm but avoid moving or dancing during the performance.
  • Appropriate Clothing: Dress modestly and remove shoes when entering venues for the sessions.
  • Monetary Contributions: If you enjoy a performance, it's customary to offer a monetary contribution as a token of appreciation.

4. Visiting Khanpur Lakhpat Rai Temple

Discover the beautiful and historic Hindu temple dedicated to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth.
  • Respectful Dress Code: Cover your head and dress modestly while visiting the temple.
  • Removing Shoes: Remove shoes before entering the main prayer hall, following local customs.
  • Offering Prayers and Donations: Pray in silence, offer flowers, or make a donation if you wish.

5. Experiencing Multan Food Street

Savor traditional Punjabi dishes like Sajji and Biryani while interacting with locals.
  • Street Etiquette: Avoid littering, wait your turn for food, and tip the vendors.
  • Food Preferences: Hindu-owned stalls often offer vegetarian options; specify dietary preferences if needed.
  • Cultural Exchange: Engage in conversations with locals to learn more about their culture and traditions.

6. Visiting Chashma Shahi Garden

Marvel at the stunning Mughal-era garden and well-known for its tranquil beauty.
  • Respectful Photography: Avoid using flash photography, especially during prayer times.
  • Dress Code: Dress modestly to show respect for the local culture and historical significance of the site.
  • Preserving Nature: Help keep the garden clean by disposing of litter properly.

7. Attending Ramazan Bazaar

Experience the vibrant and unique market during Ramadan, selling traditional food items and gifts.
  • Respectful Interactions: Respect local customs and traditions during the holy month of Ramadan.
  • Cultural Exchange: Engage in conversations with locals to learn more about their cultural practices during this time.
  • Sensitive Hours: Avoid the market during prayer times and ensure you don't interrupt fasting individuals.

8. Visiting Multan Museum

Learn about the rich history of Multan through artifacts, paintings, and sculptures.
  • Respectful Photography: Avoid flash photography and maintain silence while admiring exhibits.
  • Dress Code: Dress modestly to show respect for the local culture and historical significance of the site.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Avoid touching or disturbing artifacts, showing sensitivity towards their cultural value.

9. Participating in Urs Mubarak

Celebrate the death anniversary of Sufi saint Bahauddin Zakariya (RA) with locals and join Qawwali sessions.
  • Respectful Behavior: Follow local customs during the celebration, such as offering food and prayers.
  • Cultural Exchange: Engage in conversations with locals to learn more about their culture and traditions.
  • Sensitive Hours: Avoid the market during prayer times and ensure you don't interrupt fasting individuals.

10. Visiting Shrine of Bibi Jawindi

Pay tribute to Bibi Jawindi (RA), a legendary Sufi saint and healer, by offering prayers.
  • Respectful Dress Code: Cover your head and dress modestly while visiting the shrine.
  • Proper Behavior: Maintain silence during prayers and follow the guidelines provided by the shrine authorities.
  • Offering Gifts: It's customary to offer flowers, fruits, or money as a token of respect.

11. Visiting Mausoleum of Shah Shams Tabrez

Discover the architectural beauty and history associated with this Sufi saint's resting place.
  • Respectful Photography: Avoid taking pictures during prayers or inside the main prayer hall.
  • Shoes Removal: Remove shoes before entering the tomb complex, following local customs and preserving the site.
  • Gift-giving Customs: It's common to offer a small donation or flowers at the graves of saints inside the tomb complex.

12. Visiting Multan Fort

Explore the ancient fortress with rich history dating back to the 6th century.
  • Respectful Photography: Avoid using flash photography, especially during prayer times.
  • Dress Code: Dress modestly to show respect for the local culture and historical significance of the site.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Avoid touching or disturbing artifacts, showing sensitivity towards their cultural value.

13. Visiting Tomb of Shah Yusuf Gardezi

Learn about the famous Sufi saint and poet by visiting his resting place.
  • Respectful Photography: Avoid taking pictures during prayers or inside the main prayer hall.
  • Shoes Removal: Remove shoes before entering the tomb complex, following local customs and preserving the site.
  • Gift-giving Customs: It's customary to offer a small donation or flowers at the graves of saints inside the tomb complex.

14. Attending Multan Arts Council

Experience local music, dance, and theater performances at this cultural institution.
  • Respectful Audience Participation: Clap along with the rhythm but avoid moving or dancing during the performance.
  • Appropriate Clothing: Dress modestly and remove shoes when entering venues for performances.
  • Monetary Contributions: If you enjoy a performance, it's customary to offer a monetary contribution as a token of appreciation.

15. Visiting Sufi Tombs in Daulat Khan Chowk

Discover the historical significance of multiple Sufi saints' tombs located in this area.
  • Respectful Photography: Avoid taking pictures during prayers or inside the main prayer hall.
  • Shoes Removal: Remove shoes before entering the tomb complex, following local customs and preserving the site.
  • Gift-giving Customs: It's common to offer a small donation or flowers at the graves of saints inside the tomb complex.