LAKKI MARWAT: A daylong spring festival locally called Jashn-i-Baharan concluded with an impressive and colourful prize distribution ceremony in Bannu district on Sunday.

The district administration with the support of a local tribal elder and chief organizer, Malik Sohail Khan organised the event to provide the people with recreation on Eidul Fitr.

The festival held near Kashu Bridge in Domel town of the district featured tent pegging, volleyball and athletic competitions for senior citizens and youth.

A large number of people from Bannu and neighbouring Karak, Lakki Marwat, Tank and North Waziristan districts thronged the venue to watch game events.

Local players and tent peggers from other districts also participated.

Thousands of game lovers applauded the players, especially young tent peggers, when they picked the pegs from the ground. The players had decorated their horses with garlands and colourful cloth bands.

Drummers encouraged the players on successfully picking the pegs from the ground, while the participants danced to the drumbeats.

Horse dance was another feature of the daylong funfair, increasing the charm of the festival.

Along with a volleyball match between local clubs and a tug-of-war competition, children and senior citizens took part in a race to exhibit their athletic skills.

The festivities also provided the local residents with the opportunity to arrange food stalls and display other items for the citizens visiting the venue of the festival.

Local residents lauded the district administration and tribal elders for organising the spring festival.

They said that the festival provided recreation and amusement to them.

A resident said the administration with the help of police and volunteers of civil defence had made adequate security arrangements for peaceful holding of the festival. He said such festivals helped promote local culture and traditions.

Later additional assistant commissioner Zaman Khan along with district youth officer Kamran Khan and district sports officer Adil Shah distributed trophies, shields and cash prizes among the players.

Published in Dawn, April 15th, 2024