Festivals of Hunza

Festivals

Hunza is a home for many festivals pertaining to culture, faith and normal life sphere. In religious category there are about seven festivals celebrated throughout the year. There are generally two categories of fetivals celebrated across Hunza region.
1. Regligious Festivals
2. Cultural (Agricultural and daily life)
The whole year observes few major religious events of Eid-ul-Adha(the minor Eid),Eid-ul Fitr(geater Eid),Nowruz, Shab-e-Barat, Shab-e-Miraj,Eid Ghadeer, Eid Mubahila and Eid Millad-un-Nabi collectively. There are few more religious events including Salgirah-e-Imam Zaman Mubar (birth day of Aga Khan),Immat day and Commence day (Khushhali day) that are celebrated by Ismaili community of the region exclusively. There two well known agricultural events: Bophaw and Ginani commonly celebrated throughout the Hunza. Following is a brief account of the all events.

Account of Common Religious Festivals

Nowruz-A hitorical perspective:
There are many especial events that has been celebrated for a long time in central central Asia, Iran and subcontinent. Among the is Nowruz is most famous which brings a new spirit with blossoming trees and harmony among the dweller of the region. For thousands of years it was a formal festival under the supervision of Delhi, Agra, Bukhara,Tehran dynasties, princely states of Hyderabad and Awadh.It has not been just an festival of royal family but is a multidimensional phenomenon.When we study the Arabo-Persian power struggle, it reminds us an expression of hatred against Arabian Imperialism with support of Sunni clerics under supervision of Abbasid Caliph in Baghdad who asualted on Shia faith prevailing in the then Iran and surrounding areas. Later on due to contineous hostility and struggle between the Ismaili Fatmid and Abbasid Empire played a vital role to equivilize the situation. Its tyranny that what today we underestimate as a “heresy” was once the official Islam of half of the Islamic world and its continuous dawa in Abbasid lands made it “people’s religion” in other. Many of Sufies were very much be Ismaili dais (preachers). Sufism resembles to Ismaili faith to a large extent i.e in its understanding of concept of soul, hereafter and virtue. Grdaully, through Sufi teaching and its accompanying Ismaili dawa the festival reached the Sunni lands of Central Asia, Afghanistan, Africa, Indo subcontinent, Turkey and many parts of Eastern Europe. Kurds, an ethnic tribe also adopted the event due to the mystical tradition originated from Ismaili faith. When Pakistan came into being, many Arabian clerics and state sponsored organization with the help of Sunni population propagated against the event and the Nowruz went into With formation of Pakistan and its increasing Arabaization and State sponsored Anti Shia militancy, festival of Nowruz has virtually gone into gloom. Despite of certain conspiracies and many negative myths,Nowruz is not celebrated in Pakistan, it is widely celebrated in various corners of the world. The Shia faith including Ismaili community, Itnashary and Noorbakshi who make a sizeable population in Pakistan and they celebrate Nowruz as an “Eid”, special ceremonies and prayers are offered in the Jamat Khanas and Imam Bargahs and sweets, fruits, perfumes, flowers usually mark the offerings of Nowruz. These communities living in other cities also celebrate Nowruz with zeal but under roof.Therefore, mojority of an average educated Urban Pakistani simply doesn’t know about Nowruz. Another community which celebrates Nowruz is the Zoroastrian community commonly known as the “Parsi community”. Parsi community is trying to preserve the ancient pre-Islamic heritage of Iran. Geographically Nowruz is celebrated with greater enthusiasm in Karachi, Quetta, Peshawer, especially Hunza , Gilgt and Baldistan, Multan and Kashmir.
Briefly speaking , according to Shiat school of though Nowruz is the day to celebrate the wilayah of Hazrat Ali and house of Muhammed (P.B.U.H). Ginans describe this all by praise of the Imams those day. Shams Tabrez,a mysterious mystic was also an Ismaili dai who introduced Rumi to “Batin”, what lies beyond the words of Quran. We can learn this in one of his Ginan "Saqiyeh ba wafa manam dhamhama dham Ali ALi now a days recited frequently. This particular Ginan is being offered by none other than Queen of mystic music Abida Parveen and it speaks about the “Raj”, the Millennium when charismatic Imams, the continuation of Koranic symbology of Noor-un-ala-noor will rule the humanity. The start of this was affirmation of Ali in realm of spirits an act which is symbolized in day of Nowruz. In modern times this Ginan is specially recited on coronation of the Aga Khan the “Hazir Imams”, the continuation of Ismaili Imamat and the most philosophical rich movement in Islam whose metaphysics contributed a lot in development of mysticism. The devotion of Abida Parveen is worth seeing, a truly spiritual experience. The Prince Karim Aga Khan, the Hazir Imam can be seen enjoying the Ginan.

Nowruz Celebrations in Hunza

On the ocasion of Nowruz people dress up and visit each other. Special prayers are offered in Imam Bargahs and Jamat Khanas and Mehdi, bangles and Eidi are also part of Nowruz celebration. I remember it has been celebrated with great joy; 'Bikak' are especially cooked for the ocasion and young girls enjoy most by playing rope. Special open programs are organized to perform traditional dance and very famous among the men.




Eid-UL-Azha (The minor Eid):
The Eid makes us to remind the scrifice offered by Hazrat Abrahma of his son Hazrat Ismail in the name of Allah almighty. Special Prayers are followed by visits with family and friends, and the exchange of greetings and gifts. At some point, members of the family will visit a local farm or otherwise will make arrangements for the slaughter of an animal. The meat is distributed during the days of the holiday or shortly thereafter. At the end of the Hajj (annual pilgrimage to Mecca), Muslims throughout the world celebrate the holiday of Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice). During the Hajj, Muslims remember and commemorate the trials and triumphs of the Prophet Abraham. The Qur'an describes Abraham as follows:
"Surely Abraham was an example, obedient to Allah, by nature upright, and he was not of the polytheists. He was grateful for Our bounties. We chose him and guided him unto a right path. We gave him good in this world, and in the next he will most surely be among the righteous." (Qur'an 16:120-121)
One of Abraham's main trials was to face the command of Allah to kill his only son. Upon hearing this command, he prepared to submit to Allah's will. When he was all prepared to do it, Allah revealed to him that his "sacrifice" had already been fulfilled. He had shown that his love for his Lord superceded all others, that he would lay down his own life or the lives of those dear to him in order to submit to God. During the celebration of Eid al-Adha, Muslims commemorate and remember Abraham's trials, by themselves slaughtering an animal such as a sheep. This action is very often misunderstood by those outside the faith. Allah has given us power over animals and allowed us to eat meat, but only if we pronounce His name at the solemn act of taking life.
Muslims slaughter animals in the same way throughout the year. By saying the name of Allah at the time of slaughter, we are reminded that life is sacred. The meat from the sacrifice of Eid al-Adha is mostly given away to others. One-third is eaten by immediate family and relatives, one-third is given away to friends, and one-third is donated to the poor. The act symbolizes our
willingness to give up things that are of benefit to us or close to our hearts, in order to follow Allah's commands. It also symbolizes our willingness to give up some of our own bounties, in order to strengthen ties of friendship and help those who are in need. We recognize that all blessings come from Allah, and we should open our hearts and share with others. It is very important to understand that the sacrifice itself, as practiced by Muslims, has nothing to do with atoning for our sins or using the blood to wash ourselves from sin. This is a misunder standing by those of previous generations: "It is not their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah; it is your piety that reaches Him." (Qur'an 22:37)
The symbolism is in the attitude - a willingness to make sacrifices in our lives in order to stay on the Straight Path. Each of us makes small sacrifices, giving up things that are fun or important to us. A true Muslim, one who submits his or herself completely to the Lord, is willing to follow Allah's commands completely and obediently. It is this strength of heart, purity in faith, and willing obedience that our Lord desires from us.



Eid-ul-Fitr (Bigger Eid):
Eid-ul-Fitr is the most important festival in the Islamic calendar. This festival is the culminating point of the Holy month of Ramazan, during which holy Quran and Laila-tul-Qadr (Night of Grandeur) were gifted to the Muslim Ummah. While fasting teaches us self-discipline and provides us moral and spiritual blessings, Eid-ul-Fitr marks the end of the fasting and brings the message of collective merry-making as well as sharing our good fortune with the less fortunate in our fraternity.
The entire Muslim Ummah celebrates this most auspicious festival in every nook and corner of the world with great spiritual devotion, offering Eid Prayers in eidgahs, mosques or open spaces in towns and cities. The Eid-prayer is the clima of this grand festival. One can see during this special congregation endless sight of row upon row of the faithfully spread across the open air
eidgahs, a supreme manifestation of the Muslim fraternity and equality of mankind.




Eid Milad-un-Nabi:
Milad-un Nabi is the birthday celebration of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) and is celebrated by Muslims throughout the world. Prophet Muhammad was born Arabia in the city of Mecca on the 12th day of Rabi-ul-Awwal, which was Monday the 20th day of April, 571 A.C. The occasion is celebrated by remembering the favors bestowed on the ummah (community),
the first is the revelation of the Holy Quran with its instructions, the second, the institution of an Everliving Guide who would advise the mu'mins (believers) according to the needs of the time. This is why Ismailis are called Ibn'ul Waqt (children of the time) as they are guided by the Imam of the time, Noor Mowlana Shah Karim Al Hussayni Hazar Imam (salwaat), His Highness the Aga Khan. He is the 49th Imam descended from the Holy Prophet's daughter, Fatima and Hazrat Ali (a.s.). For Shia Muslims, this occasion is of even more import and full of symbolism as this was also his death anniversary and, therefore, it endorses the Hablillah (Rope of Imamat) wherein Prophet Muhammad had chosen Hazrat Ali as his successor at Gadhir-e Khumm. What I am trying to say is that, this more than a coincidence. Prophet Muhammad's birthday coincided with his physical passing as was ordained by God. Hazrat Ali took over the spiritual reins from him and this chain has continued to the present. In every jomma (period of Imamat) the previous Imam appoints the following Imam and even though the previous Imam passes away physically, which could be a day of mourning, the ummah rejoices at the installation of the new Imam as the Covenant (promise of the Light of Allah) continues.
Regarding this, Mowlana Sultan Mahomed Shah (A.S.) said in one of his sermons: "We (the Imams) change the physical bodies in the world but our Noor (Divine Light) is eternal and comes from the very beginning. You should therefore take it as one Noor. The Noor (Light of Allah) is ever present, only the names are different. The Throne of the Imamat of Mowlana Murtaza Ali (a.s.) continues on and will remain till the Day of Judgment."
(source: Ilm, Vol. 3, No. 2 - Nov. 1977 pg 22)
The Eid-e Milad and Eid-e Gadhir are two very important celebrations for Shia Muslims. On this day every year, believers gather to recite special prayers for thanksgiving to Allah for sending Prophet Muhammad as a mercy to all nations, and speeches and lectures are made about the seerat (life) and instructions of the Holy Prophet. Poetry in the form of naats are recited and after the prayers, sweets are distributed and perfume is sprinkled or applied on everyone. The
ladies and children gather for the mehndi (henna) application and everyone wears beautiful clothes for the occasion. Children get money or gifts and in East Africa we used to go to a fete, Eid Mela (fun fair) organized on this occasion by community members and we could ride on the swing merry-go round on which as children we had great fun.
Mowlana Sultan Mahomed Shah stressed this message of Prophet Muhammad and maintained that Islam by its very nature was dynamic and not rigid and spiritual faith should advance with along with material progress. In his Message to the World of Islam, he said:
"Formalism and verbal interpretation of the teachings of the Prophet are in absolute contradiction with his whole life history. We must accept his Divine Message as the channel of our union with the 'Absolute' and the 'Infinite' and once our spiritual faith is firmly established, fearlessly go forward by self sacrifice, by courage and by application to raise the scientific, the economic, the political and the social position of Muslims to a place of equality with Christian Europe and America. "Our social customs, our daily work, our constant efforts, must be tuned up, must be brought into line with the highest form of possible civilization. At its greatest period Islam was at the head of science, was at the head of knowledge, was in the advance line of political, philosophical and literary thought."
Addressing the Seerat Conference, our beloved Mowlana Hazar Imam advised the Muslim World to make the Prophet's life the beacon light for achieving a truly modern and dynamic Islamic society. He said:
"The Holy Prophet's life gives us every fundamental guideline that we require to resolve the problem as successfully as our human minds and intellects can visualize. His example of integrity, loyalty, honesty, generosity, both of means and of time his solicitude for the poor, the weak and the sick, his steadfastness in friendship, his humility in success, his magnanimity in victory, his simplicity, his wisdom in conceiving new solutions for problems which could not be solved by traditional methods, without affecting the fundamental concepts of Islam, surely, all these are foundations which correctly understood and sincerely interpreted, must enable us to conceive what should be a truly modern and dynamic Islamic society in the years ahead."




Eid-e-Ghadeer:
Eid al-Ghadeer is the anniversary commemorating the holy Prophet Muhammad's last sermon at Ghadir Khumm, which occurred on 18th of Dhu al-Hijjah of 10 AH in the Islamic calendar. It is an event celebrated by Shias, and is the basis of their confirmation of Ali ibn Abi Talib's succession to Muhammad. On the occasion Hazrat Muhammad (P.B.U.H) declares raising his hand before the audience (Muslim pilgrims) on the vast plain of Arabian peninsula that " Ali is the master of those who assume me their leader" and prayed "Oh, lord love those who love Ali and hate them ho keep hostilty towars Him. Sunni Muslims do not deny that a last sermon took place, but do not celebrate the day, as in they believe that, in Islam, the only days that are considered celebratory are Eid al-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha. and also Sunni's believe that there is no eid al-ghadeer because Prophet Mohammad never said some thing like this.




Didar mubarak:
Ismaili community celebrates the first visit of spiritual leader Imam Shah Karim Alhusaini to the region. His followers in any part of world call it Deedar Mubarak.
In many villages like Hyderabad, special procession along with bands appears and visit all localities in its jurisdiction to celebrate the happiness of their beloved Imam.




Salgirah Mubarak:
This is another event of Ismaili Community which commemorate the birthday and Imamat day of 49th Imam Shah Karim Alhusaini (Aga Khan) . Mountain lightening in the night turns Hunza valley into a twinckling garden.

Account of Cultural Festivals

Bophaw:
This festival is about sowing which is celebrated in Hunza during the month of Feburaury since Mirs time. The custom was bit intresting in that time when the courtiers of all over the Hunza region used to gather at Mirs darbar to celebrate this event. A person from Diramiting tribe, one of major tribe of Hunza used to start this event by sowing in one of the fields. Food was distributed at the end. People coming from all over Hunza danced on the local tunes. People of Dirmiting tribe has had honour to initaite the sowing process.

Ginani:
It is a festival celebrated across the area in last week of June when the crop is ready to harvest. This event is called Ginani in Hunza and ganoni in Gilgit. Traditional food is the main feature of this event. In this festival the guardian of the family member goes to the field and bring some wheat straws which are peeled. The grains are mixed in the local yougert and presented along with a special food called Dhirum Phitee to shared with the surrounding families. The history of Ginani festival is bit old. It has been celebrated in Hunza proper with a great zeal. The festival was much proper befor the construction of Karakurum High Way for the whole community depended upon agricultural means to surview.

Thomoshalling:

This event is based on a myth that there was a wicked ruler named Shiri Badat who used to slaughter kids as his favourite food, forcebaly took from the subjects. A plot was made to kill by the help of his daughter and the plan worked . Therefore, it is linked to the death of a cruel rular Shiri badat who was thrown to fire in 21st century. In Hunza this event is called Thomoshaling
while Dashti in khowar language. This is celebrated in late November in a presumption that this is neccessary to keep he dead. People celebrate it in a fashion that they used to take fire from their houses to a common place where they put on collective fire to celebrate the death of the Shiribadat.

Garukus:

This event is celebrated in Hunza after Thomoshaling and before Bofow to welcome the spring season. The heads and feet of slaughtered animal in thomoshalling are cooked at this event with other traditional food.

Marriages ceremonies:

Marriages are generally held in November and December after completion of harvesting threshing and all related work. But now in modern times people do not wait for winter. They hold marriages whenever they financially feel viable for them. Traditionally marriages are held with great joy and fervor.



Silk Route festival:
Historians assert that thousands of years ago there was a path way along the Indus river, the 4th century Chinese traveler Fahain had noted that the path way was nothing short than a line to hell. Marco polo in 13th century had followed the silk route on the great North road. The Karakorum Highway High way has given a new life to that ancient route by reviving past trade links. AKRSP has organized many events to review the ideas of Silk route trade and boost up the ralation between the communities across the border.

Customs in Hunza

Youshayas:
This is almost celebrated either on individual or in two families collectively to reduce the individual cost.People slaughter animals and store the meat for rest of the year. The taste of the meat is so delicious and unforgettable.

Circumcisions:

The male circumcision (Bisman) may follow a birth by a few days or any time up to age ten depending on boy's health and the family's resources. The circumcision is performed by a doctor.

Cleanliness of channels:

The people of NAs always demonstrate self help and working collectively in many social sectors for the welfare and development. Before cultivation people gather and collectively clean the channels for irrigation.