Centuries Old Qaqlasht Festival Concludes in Chitral
CHITRAL— The 4-day long annual Qaqlast Festival concluded at the sprawling natural ground of Qaqlasht, some 80KM from Chitral city. It has been celebrated for centuries, each year with an added zeal and jubilance. This year more than 60 sporting teams participated in a variety of games including Cricket, Football, Vallyball, Polo, Hocky (Ghaluzchun Ghal), Sia-Khaman, Falconry and Tug-of-war.
26 Cricketing teams participated in the cricket tournament and it was Mulkho Brothers to win the final against the team of Reshun. The final of polo matches was played between Booni and Border Police Team. In the Tug-of-War, Team of Biar defeated Mulkho.
A freestyle game called Ghaluzchun Ghall [Polo without horse, more like a field hockey] was also played and team of Booni defeated Mullkho. In Volleyball, Koragh A. defeated Booni.
The most interesting sport at the event was Sia-Khaman, a game where competitors use an antique gun called Sia-Khaman in shooting competition. Here Hussain Zarine got first position out of the 8 shooting experts. Falconry was another event where falconers exhibited skills of their falcons. Master Muhammad Sharif of Kosht was declared first as his falcon was the first to hunt its prey.
A Quiz competition among students of different classes was arranged too. Unjuman-e Taraqui Khowar arranged poetry program that focused on conservation of forests and public hygiene.
Cultural show and musical concert was an important part of the festival in which different artists demonstrated their artistic skills and fascinated the audience. Other events were included athletics and paragliding.
Abdul Latif, president of Pakistan Tahriki Insaf (PTI) was chief guest on the occasion who watched the football final match and announced Rs. 50,000 for the organizing committee. He also announced Rs.5000 for the winner and runner-up teams of Football. Awars and Trophies were given away among the winning teams.
Last Year, he former U.S Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs and the Country Director,United States Agency for International Development (USAID)Raphel was the chief Guest at Qaqlashht Festival.
The Qaqlasht Festival is organized every year in mid April. According to local legends Qaqlashht Festival is celebrated for the last 500 years. Thousands of people from all over Chitral participated in the Qaqlasht Festival (2012).