Jashn-e-Qaqlasht from April 15 to 18

The News - PESHAWAR: The Sarhad Tourism Corporation (STC) has announced that Jashn-e-Qaqlasht would be held in upper part of Chitral from April 15 to 18 every year.

As per wishes of the local communities, the STC decided to carry on about 3,000-year-old legacy of Jashn-e-Qaqlasht, a festival that marks the arrival of spring in upper Chitral. Historically, this event used to be organised by various rulers in Chitral. After Chitral’s merger in the federation of Pakistan, holding of the festival as a calendar event came to an end.

The STC has decided to back local efforts to revive this festival and give the world a chance to witness a most peaceful and scenic place on earth and get captivated by its fresh spring, an experience unmatched. Located at an hour and a half’s drive from Chitral town, the four-day festival will start at Qaqlasht from April 15 and end on 18th.

Jashn-e-Qaqlasht will consist of Free Style Polo of the Mountain Communities in the Hindu Kush, Shot Putt — the oldest living sport in the region, Traditional Wrestling where sheer power is demonstrated,Marksmanship with ‘chikit’; the ancient muzzle loading guns, Bodi Dik — the endangered sport with unique rules and day & night cultural events with music of reed instrument, pure Chitrali sitar, pasture flute, reformative poetry and much more.

The event is being coordinated by Chitral Association for Mountain Area Tourism. Former Nazim of Mastuj Sikandarul Mulk, who is captain of the famed Chitral polo team and also chairperson of CAMAT, signed a formal agreement with MD STC in Peshawar recently. According to the agreement, the STC will sponsor the event and provide media publicity.