Culture and heritage of Gilgit Baltistan

Gilgit –Baltistan has a number of cultural entities, ethnic groups and various backgrounds. In view of the multi-cultural and multi-lingual aspects, people also have a beautiful mix of lifestyles and attitudes presenting a pluralistic society living together in peace and harmony for centuries. The major languages spoken in the region are China, Balti, Burshaki, khuerwahki, and domaki, Urdu and English are common.

The region harbors diverse and endangered mountain cultural traditions. Historically these areas have been aloof from the rest of the world and their life has been revolving around livestock and agriculture. A variety of cultural festivals held in Gilgit Baltistan throughout the year present a exclusive facet of its cultural assortment and different forms of expressions.

These festivals represent a number of important recurring merriment cultural events and religious festival brings value additions to the surroundings, the rich diversity of people, culture arts, crafts and heritage. The folk music and instruments commonly used in Gilgit Baltistan are Dadang (drum) damal (percussion) Duff (a circle framed drum) Sunari or nay (a kind of flute) Ghajak (spiked fiddle) Sitar, Rubab and Gabi (flute) are popular and important instruments. The different rhythm is played in different occasion.

Usually a rhythm is played during the departure of the bride from her parent’s house. Souse A martial rhythm and fast rhythm is played when sword dance is performed. Dani Hunza people’s favorite rhythm is Dani. There are many colorful festivals in Gilgit Baltistan observes during the year Navroz, Jashne Bahrain, Shandoor polo festival, Babusa polo festival, harvest time festival. The harvest festival is performed in the same way as the seeding festival the villagers’ thanks “Allah” God Almighty for the bounty that they are going to harvest from. A polo Traditional sport game of Gilgit Baltistan is polo was originally started from centuries ago.

Reference: http://www.dostpakistan.pk/culture-and-heritage-of-gilgit-baltistan/

Comments

Jashan-e-Mefang: Celebrating the Return of Light in Baltistan

جشنِ مے فنگ – 21 دسمبر پس منظر، تاریخ اور منانے کی وجوہات جشنِ میفنگ (Mefang / Mehfong) بلتستان کا ایک قدیم ثقافتی تہوار ہے جو ہر سال 21 دسمبر کو منایا جاتا ہے۔ یہ دن موسمِ سرما کے انقلاب (Winter Solstice) کی علامت ہے، یعنی سال کا سب سے چھوٹا دن اور سب سے طویل رات۔ اسی دن کے بعد دن بتدریج لمبے ہونا شروع ہو جاتے ہیں۔ تاریخی پس منظر جشنِ میفنگ کی جڑیں بلتستان کی اسلام سے قبل کی قدیم تہذیب میں پیوست ہیں، جب یہاں کے پہاڑی معاشرے فطرت، سورج اور موسموں کی گردش پر گہری نظر رکھتے تھے۔ شدید سردی، طویل راتیں اور محدود وسائل انسان کی بقا کے لیے بڑا امتحان ہوتے تھے۔ 21 دسمبر کو سورج کی واپسی اور روشنی کے بڑھنے کا آغاز ایک امید کی علامت سمجھا جاتا تھا، اسی خوشی میں یہ تہوار منایا جاتا تھا۔ اسلام کی آمد کے بعد بھی یہ تہوار مذہبی نہیں بلکہ ثقافتی روایت کے طور پر زندہ رہا اور نسل در نسل منتقل ہوتا رہا۔ جشن منانے کی وجوہات اندھیرے کے خاتمے کی خوشی : طویل راتوں کے بعد روشنی کے بڑھنے کا آغاز بقا پر شکرگزاری : سخت سردیوں میں زندہ رہنے پر اللہ تعالیٰ کا شکر امید اور نیا آغاز :...

Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed – The Eternal Voice of Democracy (27 December | Death Anniversary)

Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed – A Martyr of Democracy (27 December – Death Anniversary) Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed remains one of the most influential, courageous, and inspiring leaders in Pakistan’s political history. Every year on 27 December, the nation remembers her supreme sacrifice for democracy, constitutional supremacy, and the rights of the people of Pakistan. Early Life and Political Journey Benazir Bhutto was born on 21 June 1953 in Karachi into a prominent political family. She was the daughter of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, the founder of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and former Prime Minister of Pakistan. Educated at Harvard University and Oxford University, she emerged as a symbol of intellect, resilience, and political maturity at a very young age. After the execution of her father in 1979 during General Zia-ul-Haq’s regime, Benazir Bhutto faced imprisonment, house arrest, and exile. Despite immense personal suffering, she never abandoned her political struggle ...

13 Rajab: Birth of Imam Ali (A.S.) – History, Significance & Spiritual Lessons

13 Rajab: A Day of Light, Faith, and Leadership 13 Rajab al-Murajjab holds immense spiritual and historical significance in the Islamic calendar. It is universally revered by Muslims across the world as the birth anniversary of Hazrat Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (A.S.), one of the most influential personalities in Islamic history. This sacred day is not only a moment of joy and gratitude but also a reminder of justice, courage, knowledge, and unwavering devotion to Allah. The Unmatched Birth in the Kaaba One of the most extraordinary aspects of 13 Rajab is that Imam Ali (A.S.) was born inside the Holy Kaaba in Makkah—an honor never granted to anyone else before or after him. According to well-documented historical narrations: His mother, Bibi Fatima bint Asad (R.A.), felt labor pains near the Kaaba The wall of the Kaaba miraculously opened She entered the sacred house and gave birth to Imam Ali (A.S.) inside This miraculous event symbolizes Imam Ali’s unique spiritual status and his lifelon...

Education For All

Search This Blog