UPPER DIR/KARAK: A three-day cultural festival concluded in Upper Dir on Friday.

Army’s Operational commander Brig Abbas Haider and deputy commissioner Irfanullah Khan Mehsud were the chief guests at the concluding ceremony. The festival was organised by the district administration on the grounds of the Government Degree College, Dir, to inform the younger generation about the rich culture of Upper Dir.

Various stalls had been set up where items in use of the royal family of Dir state, were displayed.

Weapons used by the people of Upper Dir during 1948 and 1965 wars against India were displayed at a stall.

Artillery of the then army of Nawab of Dir state was also put on display in the carnival. Locally-made swords and weapons were also on display in the exhibition.

Locally-made handicraft, including Dir’s famous ‘sufaid topi’ (white cap), waistcoat and sweaters were also part of the exhibition.

People showed interest and excitement in old weapons and goods. Addressing the concluding ceremony, Brig Abbas Haider said culture of Dir was rich and needed to be explored.

A 10-year-old girl said that she liked ‘Dholi’ which was used for bringing bride in olden days. Shields and gifts were distributed among the guests.

Meanwhile, a colourful three-day spring festival began at the Jail ground in Karak the other day.

Deputy commissioner Mian Abidullah Kakakhel inaugurated the event. Local residents thronged the festival and stalls set up to attract the visitors. The youngsters danced on drumbeats.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Kakakhel said the spring festival was a source of recreation for the local people and expressed satisfaction over the participation of young people in large numbers.

He said the festival would attract youths towards positive and healthy activities.

Abdul Qayum, a youngster from a remote area, said he really enjoyed the first day of the festival.

Ashraf Khan, another youngster, said the spring festival was new to the locals, adding the enthusiasm of the people was worth seeing. He said people fed up with the routine life needed such recreation activities.

He demanded that the spring festival should be organised each year.

Published in Dawn, April 14th, 2019