PLAYERS attempt to take control of the puck during an ice hockey match in Altit, on Sunday.—Photo by the writer
PLAYERS attempt to take control of the puck during an ice hockey match in Altit, on Sunday.—Photo by the writer

GILGIT: The much-anticipated Karakoram Winter­lude Season 7 began on Saturday in Hunza’s Altit village, bringing together winter sports, cultural events and community festivities.

Organised annually by SCARF, a local organisation promoting winter sports and cultural heritage, the 10-day festival has been a hallmark of Gilgit-Baltistan for the past decade.

The event’s inaugural ceremony, held at the Frozen Altit Pool amid freezing temperatures, featured breathtaking fireworks that illuminated the majestic Karak­oram mountains, leaving attendees in awe.

Traditional dancers in colourful attire showcased the region’s rich culture, while renowned artists Kashif and Islam, alongside soulful local talent, brought the stage to life with electrifying beats and heartwarming melodies.

The opening ice hockey match saw Allied Bank Lim­ited triumph over Habib Bank Limited with an 8-0 victory.

A large number of local people, players, fans and tourists participated in the colourful event and enjoyed the colourful activities desp­ite the harsh weather. Among the highlights was an 80-year-old elder performing a traditional dance to local music, captivating the audience.

According to the organisers, 12 ice hockey teams — seven male and five female — are participating in the tournament from across the country.

In addition to ice hockey, the festival features competitions in ice climbing, mountain cycling and glacier walking. A climate action campaign, food stalls and musical concerts are also integral parts of the event.

The festival will continue until Jan 19, with ice hockey matches and other competitions held in Gojal, Upper Hunza. Young ice hockey players from the Passu Youth and Sports Organisation have also joined the event, showcasing their talent and passion for the sport.

Published in Dawn, January 13th, 2025

Opinion

From hard to harder

From hard to harder

Instead of ‘hard state’ turning even harder, citizens deserve a state that goes soft on them in delivering democratic and development aspirations.

Editorial

Canal unrest
Updated 03 Apr, 2025

Canal unrest

With rising water scarcity in Indus system, it is crucial to move towards a consensus-driven policymaking process.
Iran-US tension
03 Apr, 2025

Iran-US tension

THE Trump administration’s threats aimed at Iran do not bode well for global peace, and unless Washington changes...
Flights to history
03 Apr, 2025

Flights to history

MOHENJODARO could have been the forgotten gold we desperately need. Instead, this 5,000-year-old well of antiquity ...
Eid amidst crises
Updated 31 Mar, 2025

Eid amidst crises

Until the Muslim world takes practical steps to end these atrocities, these besieged populations will see no joy.
Women’s rights
Updated 01 Apr, 2025

Women’s rights

Such judgements, and others directly impacting women’s rights should be given more airtime in media.
Not helping
Updated 02 Apr, 2025

Not helping

If it's committed to peace in Balochistan, the state must draw a line between militancy and legitimate protest.