Pakistan Independence Day 2019

Today’s Doodle depicts the iconic Bab-e-Khyber, the gateway to the Khyber Pass, in honor of Pakistan’s Independence Day. Built in 1964 near the Jamrud Fort, the Bab-e-Khyber has come to symbolize this historic passage between East and West, connecting Peshāwar in Pakistan and Kābul inAfghanistan. For centuries the mountainous Khyber Pass was a vital part of the Silk Road, a pathway for trade and migration that also saw Alexander the Great’s army march through.

On this day in 1947, Pakistan attained sovereignty after decades of rule by the British Raj. In Urdu, this national holiday is known as Yom-e-Istiqlal. The whole nation begins celebrating at the stroke of midnight, with the main festivities taking place in the capital city of Islamabad. National leaders attend a flag-raising ceremony followed by cultural events and parades with proud Pakistani citizens dressed in green and white, the national colors. 

Those same colors can be seen on the national flag, which flies on government buildings and private homes alike. Independence Day is also marked by solemn ceremonies at the tombs of leaders like Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Muhammad Iqbal, the poet and politician whose 1930 speech inspired Pakistan’s independence movement.

Happy Independence Day, Pakistan!

Doodle illustrated by Guest Artist Melissa Crowton

14.08.2019-புதன்-Wednesday
-Doodle illustrated by Guest Artist Melissa Crowton-
Pakistan Independence Day 2019
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