Representation of Pakistani Culture and Traditions in the novel "How It Happened" by Shazaf Fatima Haider

How It Happened by Shazaf
Fatima Haider 

Shazaf Fatima Haider was born in Islamabad in 1982.She is a well-known Pakistani author of contemporary era.She received her Masters degree in English Literature from the University of Karachi in 2006 and currently living in London.She wrote three novels which include How it Happened (2012), A Firefly in the Dark (2018) and A Woman on a Suitcase (2024).A Firefly in the Dark won the Children's Pekaboo Prize in India and is being adapted for a television series.

Shazaf Fatima Haider's novel "How It Happened" met with resounding success.It was published in 2012 and received immense popularity among its readers.This story follows a Shia family's poignant transition from adherence to tradition to embracing change, as they integrate new family members and customs, shedding generations-old practices along the way.While talking about her novel she said in an interview:

"How it Happened was all about the issue – which is arranged marriages – and the characters came organically around it."

Although numerous Pakistani authors are presently writing extensively about Pakistani culture and society, only a handful of writers delve deeply into the nuances of Pakistani customs.Shazaf Fatima Haider's novel 'How It Happened' presents a candid portrayal of Pakistani society. With remarkable sincerity, the author captures the essence of our culture, particularly through characters like Dadi. This relatable matriarch, with her tendency to meddle in every minor family affair, embodies the quintessential Pakistani Dadi – authentic and endearing.Dadi, like our grandmothers, believes in the evil eye and traditional practices, including arranged marriages and daily prayers.Saleha says:

"Dadi believed in a few basic things: spice, prayers and arranged marriages." 

Dadi becomes emotional when Haroon Bhai announces his study trip to New York, vehemently opposing his departure and exhibiting a burst of anger, reminiscent of traditional grandmotherly behaviour.She gets angry after listening the word "infuriating":

"Haan haan, call me infuriating! I who changed your diapers and woke up in the middle of the night to sing you to sleep! I am infuriating!"

In the novel, Dadi's meticulous search for Haroon Bhai's bride exemplifies Pakistan's traditional matchmaking norms. She creates a checklist of ideal qualities, illustrating the societal expectations for a 'good' wife, highlighting the lengthy and complex process of arranging marriages in Pakistani culture. Moreover,Haroon bhai's wedding exemplifies Pakistani cultural traditions, including Dadi's reference to Mayun.When she says:

"Oh ho! I sat mayun for a whole year! I didn't have any deficiency. And my hair was oiled and brushed and I ate only fruits and vegetables."

While choosing the wedding dress of Saima apa and getting her with them despite of Dadi's reluctance,Dadi's behavior illustrates Pakistani wedding customs, where brides are often marginalized and expected to display humility, rather than enthusiasm.Dadi's push for traditional wedding attire (Sherwani and Sehra) contrasts with Haroon's modern views, illustrating the generational divide in Pakistani society.

"We chased after tailors, booked venues, hired caterers, sacked caterers, rehired new caterers. Florists, mithai-wallahs and dhol-wallahs and other wallahs were commissioned."

Zeba Baji's suitors' visits highlight Pakistani societal expectations for women: Modest dress (no red/black, dupatta on head), Conservative behavior (shy greetings, no initiating conversations), Avoiding strong opinions on politics/literature.Dadi says:

"Good Eastern girls should never have strong opinions of their own, only those of their husbands or in-laws."

Religion is also depicted very clearly in this novel like when Moharram approaches everyone who belongs to the Shia sect gets busy for the whole month.Additional prayers are said, the Quran to be read and clerics to be heard on television, majalis to be attended, food be cooked for the poor ones after saying Fateha on it and wearing mourning dress(black) during the whole month is mandatory.

Though "How It Happened" largely accurately depicts Eastern society, some exceptions exist: Overemphasized female agency contrasts with Pakistan's patriarchal reality. Zeba's father's marginalized role diverges from cultural norms. Dadi's eccentricities occasionally feel exaggerated. Minor inaccuracies aside, the novel remains a poignant representation of Pakistani cultures.Shazaf said in an interview:

I am unashamedly Pakistani! Although I have moved to the UK, I still hear Pakistani voices and stories, and so I write about them, as well as about my own experiences. I write for a very desi audience, so I am definitely a Pakistani writer.