PESHAWAR: An ancient tribal custom, Akhtar Barkha (share), is still practiced in tribal areas and also in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on the occasion of Eid. The ‘Da Akhtar Barkha’ usually comprises of Patasey, (cookies), Ghuzaan (walnuts) and a piece of either mutton or beef sent from parents to their married daughters as a symbol of love and respect on Eid festivals.

A separate budget is allocated in tribal families every year for solemnising the custom especially for the newly-wedded women on the occasion of both religious festivals -- Eidul Fitr and Eidul Azha.

The custom continues for an indefinite time depending on the families where some keep it going on till their daughters grow up old enough while others stop it after a decade or so. ‘Da Akhtar Barkha’ gift is packed in a piece of cloth usually a red handkerchief big enough to form a fancy Eid gift sent to the married daughters, preferably on the first day of Eid. It may comprise several other items, including almonds, pistachios and sweets. Sometimes well off people also send unstitched suits, cereals, soap, oil, spices and cash amount.

Noor Zaman Afridi, a resident of Jamrud, while sharing his views on the tribal custom said that ‘Da Akhtar Barkha’ was an old tradition which showed affection and respect of parents towards their daughters and also served as an emblem of remembrance on the most propitious days.

He said daughters had special significance for parents in the tribal society and that was why they reaffirmed their love and reverence for them on Eid days.

“However, it is strange enough that we do not give due share to our daughters and sisters in our wealth and property. But the custom is still good to satisfy the urge of nostalgia of the married daughters and sisters for their parent’s homes,” he stated.

Mustaqim Khan, a resident of Bara, Khyber Agency, said that the custom helped in cementing ties between two families because sweets symbolised a stable relationship. He said ‘Da Akhtar Barkha’ made our married daughters and sisters happy as it was a share in family celebrations, not in property as some people misunderstood it.

‘Da Akhtar Barkha’ is sent to married daughters and sisters but also the newly-engaged girls from their in-laws. In return, the in-laws also exchanged similar gift package with an engaged boy before marriage.

“It is done during Eid days. The exchange of sweets and gifts strengthen mutual ties between families. Also it is a source of speedy familiarity with new relatives,” explained Ahmad Nawaz, a resident of Mohmand Agency. Visiting daughters and sisters during Eid days enhance their dignity in the eyes of their in-laws and boosted their morale, observed Mr Nawaz.

Sana Ejaz, a noted rights activist told Dawn that the so-called old ritual was just an eyewash as most Pashtuns denied women their right in inheritance which was their original religious obligation.

She said it might have a positive aspect to enquire about the health of daughters and sisters once, twice or thrice in a year, but the real Barkha for the women would be giving share in property.

“Pashtuns claim to have a strong belief in Islamic rituals but when it comes to giving share to women in property or wealth, they deny them even an inch or penny. We should recognise the real Barkha of the women,” she added.

Published in Dawn, September 2nd, 2017