GB festivals: A manifestation of rich cultural values

GILGIT-BALTISTAN - Gilgit-Baltistan nestled in the majestic mountains of northern Pakistan is a land rich in diverse cultures, languages and tra­ditions. This region home to various ethnic groups, hosts unique festivals highlighting its cultural heritage. From blooming of Spring to the thrill of winter sports, each festival offers a glimpse into the lives and history of local communities as these fes­tivals are not only highlight their culture but also a source of income for local people.

Takhum Rezi (Spring Festival), May Fung, Shandur Polo, Nasalo and Winter Sports are known festivals of the region attract­ing hundreds of thousands local people and visitors during cool springs, pleasant sum­mers and chilly winters. Takhum Rezi, the Spring Festival also locally known as Bo or Bee Ganik, ushers with the onset of Spring season across Gilgit-Baltistan, particularly in district Ghizer. Celebrated in March in a colorful manner, this festival marks the start of sowing season.



Wearing traditional attire, local people gather to enjoy vibrant dances, sports competitions like horse rac­ing and tug-of-war and sample local deli­cacies. One of the most captivating sights is the nighttime torch-bearing ceremony, where participants light up the valley with flaming torches and chant local slogans—a tribute to the age-old customs of the region. “It is more than a celebration of changing seasons.

It’s a time for us to come together as a community, as our ancestors had been doing since centuries,” said Sadaf Ali, Local Historian and Folklorist. “Torch-bearing ceremony connects us deeply to our roots. Watching it feels like stepping back in time, feeling the energy and resilience of our people.

” May Fung, another festival held on the shortest day of year, is a winter tra­dition of Balti people and marks depths of winter and anticipation of spring. Origi­nating from the region’s Buddhist past, May Fung has survived centuries of change, retaining its festive lighting of torches and lanterns, night dancing and vibrant com­munity gatherings..