DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Dera Ismail Khan came alive with colours, traditions and culture as the largest cultural event of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – Dera Jaat Festival – commenced on Saturday at the Ratta Kulachi Sports Stadium.

Provincial minister for sports and culture Syed Fakhar Jahan and MNA Faisal Amin Gandapur inaugurated the event during a ceremony.

City mayor Umar Amin Gandapur, MNA Dawar Kundi, MPA Usman Bettani, secretary sports Ziaul Haq, deputy commissioner Sara Rehman and other civil and provincial officials were present on the occasion.

The event began with recitation from the Holy Quran, the national anthem, and a colourful cultural display featuring traditional music, camel and horse parades, fireworks, sports performances, and livestock exhibitions.

MNA says purpose of annual event is to preserve traditions, promote harmony

Information and awareness stalls were also set up by various government departments, including a dedicated tourism information desk by KP Culture & Tourism Authority and the department of archaeology for visiting guests.

Faisal Amin Gandapur, while visiting the stalls, stated: “The purpose of this annual event is to preserve our regional traditions and history while promoting inter-district and inter-provincial harmony. Dera is a region known for its hospitality, culture, and art. We welcome all guests wholeheartedly.”

The event celebrates the shared heritage of three provinces, presenting traditional music, cultural dances, sports competitions, camel and horse parades, livestock exhibitions, fireworks, dog shows, and folk games such as kabaddi and Doda.

The highlight of the festival – Mela-i-Spaan — also began, featuring 2,500 high-breed horses, and participation of over 2,000 skilled horse riders from across the country.

According to DG sports, the festival includes a thrilling off-road jeep rally, tractor power shows, bull and donkey cart races, stone lifting, wheat sack lifting, and several other traditional competitions.

As part of the cultural promotion, the festival also features guided tours to archaeological and historic sites of Dera Ismail Khan such as Kafirkot Temples and Rehman Dheri, showcasing the ancient civilisation and rich heritage of the region.

Sports lovers will enjoy over 20 different competitions, including hockey, taekwondo, judo, and traditional games like karrka (local tug-of-war) and bull races.

The off-road jeep rally, stretching over 100 kilometres, will see participation from the country’s top rally drivers performing high-risk manoeuvres and showcasing their skills.

Speaking to the media, minister Syed Fakhar Jahan said: “Dera Jaat” is not just a festival, it’s a symbol of our rich culture, vibrant traditions, and peaceful identity. We welcome enthusiasts from all over Pakistan to experience this cultural celebration.”

The closing ceremony will be held on April 8, drawing thousands of spectators from across Pakistan.

Published in Dawn, April 6th, 2025