MINGORA: The first-ever Swat food festival attracted a large number of people from all walks of life including civil society members, government officials and politicians.

The two-day food festival titled “Zayeqa Swat Ka” was organised by Rangona Swat. Besides local cuisines, traditional Pashto music, poetry recitation session and other festivities were also part of the event.

The organisers of the event said that they wanted to attract people from across the country to the delicious traditional delicacies and cuisines of Swat.

Festival attracts families in large numbers

“Swat valley saw several ups and downs during recent times. Its image was tarnished. Economic activities were also affected badly. We want to revive the glory of Swat and boost its economy,” said Yasin Akbar, an organiser of the event.

He said that they were excited to see such a large number of people including families visiting the festival and enjoying variety of foods and music.

Te visitors lauded the organisers and said that such events were essential for reviving normalcy and promoting peace. “This is what we need here in Swat because people of Swat need healthy activities where they can go with families and get relaxed with food and music,” said Ifthikhar Ali, a resident of Saidu Sharif, who visited the festival with his family.

The women visitors also praised the event and said that they were excited to go out for such events with family members. “I came here with my family and saw different stalls of delicious foods. We enjoyed some traditional foods of Swat and also enjoyed music,” said Maryam Bibi, a resident of Mingora.

The local youth, who were helping the organisers of the event voluntarily, said that celebrating food of the area with other festivities was more than a fun for them.

“Our youth have witnessed stressful events in the near past and now they need such healthy celebrations for releasing their mental stress,” said Dr Jawad, a youth activist in Swat. Popular Pashto singer Laila Khan received applause for her live performance at the event.

Published in Dawn, February 11th, 2019