CHITRAL: The three-day Qaqlasht festival kicked off in Upper Chitral on Thursday. Deputy Commissioner Irfanuddin inaugurated the festival by unfurling the national flag.

A large number of people, tourists and students from different educational institutions attended the event on the first day. Students presented national anthem and sang national songs at the opening ceremony.

Organised by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority (KPCTA) and district administration at the tourist resort Qaqlasht in Upper Chitral on the directives of KP chief minister and CM’s advisor on tourism and culture, the festival is showcasing different sports competitions including polo, tug of war, skeet shooting, marathon race, volleyball, cricket, football, archery, and also includes traditional food stalls, cultural shows and a music night.

Games like falconry, hockey, jeep race, and other activities including mushaira, quiz competitions and paragliding are other features of the festival.

Speaking on the occasion, DC Irfanuddin said that holding of Qaqlasht festival was made possible after five years of hiatus.

“Chitral is a paradise for the tourists and visitors,” he said, adding that the scenic district had a treasure trove of culture, beauty and above all an exemplary peaceful environment for tourists to enjoy.

He called upon the national and international tourists and visitors to come and enjoy the natural beauty of lush green valleys, snow-capped mountains, rivers, landscapes, rich cultural heritage, springs, streams and serene spots. Qaqlasht committee members briefed the participants about the programmers and activities to be held during the gala.

They said music events of reed instrument and that of pure Chitrali sitar will also be organised besides folk dance ‘chongrighishi’ and ‘tataliwawali’, and ‘mamashish’.

Jashan-i-Qaqlasht is a 2,000 years old festival of the people of Chitral. The festival is organised with the objective to protect the indigenous Kho culture and to highlight and market it as tourism product so as to attract maximum national and international tourists to the region that could help reduce poverty by providing tourism-related job opportunities to the locals apart from promoting cross-cultural understanding and harmony.

Published in Dawn, May 3rd, 2024