Diverse Dreams

Introduction This article aims to raise awareness about the traditional Tagham festival, highlighting its cultural significance for younger generations, the general public, tourists, and anyone interested in the traditions of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), Pakistan. It provides an overview of the Ploughing or Spring Festival, explaining its historical background, processes, and importance for rural communities in Gojal-Hunza. The centuries-old Tagham Festival, known as the "Spring Festival" in Wakhi and "Baphao" in Brushiski.  The word tagham is degenerated form of Persian word Tokhum means seed, similarly, Bophao means sowing seeds or scattering/ spreading seeds. marks the arrival of spring in the Hunza and Nagar regions, reflecting similar celebrations across other parts of Gilgit-Baltistan. Historically, it was a central cultural event for local communities but has gradually diminished due to modernization and urbanization.   Mr. Nadir Ali from Ghulkin-ShogunPutuk ready ...

I am honoured to pay tribute to my beloved 49th Hereditary Imam, Shah Karim al Hussaini Aga Khan IV, through a Wakhi devotional poem, "Nazrana-e-Aqeedat."  Nazrana-e-Aqeedat': A heartfelt Wakhi poetry tribute to His Highness the Aga Khan IV, commemorating his 60 Years of Imamat Diamond Jubilee in July 2017.  Written by Sharif Khan and voiced by Sadaf Khan. Born on December 13, 1936, His Highness became the 49th hereditary Imam of Shia Ismaili Muslims on July 11, 1957, following the tradition and will of his grandfather, Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah Aga Khan III.  The significance of July 11 lies in its celebration worldwide by his followers as the day of His Highness the Aga Khan IV Takht Nashini, marking his ascension to the throne of Imamat. His Highness devoted himself to spreading knowledge and wisdom, igniting light in darkness, and leaving an indelible mark on humanity. Through the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) agencies, he provided shelter, supported poverty alle...

 Sustainability is a critical component of successful development initiatives. Despite this, many individuals and institutions struggle to maintain momentum due to inadequate management or a lack of permanent solutions. Through my work as an educationist and social activist in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) and across Pakistan, I collaborated with village-based community organizations, voluntary-based civil society institutions, and government institutions. This experience provided valuable insights into effective development strategies, particularly the importance of community participation. My involvement with Village/Women Organizations coordinated by AKRSP and with the National Rural Support Program - Institute of Rural Management (NRSP-IRM) under the leadership of Mr. Shoaib Sultan Khan (SSK), the founding General Manager (GM) of AKRSP and Chairman of Rural Support Network (RSPN), provided me with opportunities to learn from experiences. With the renowned Community Development Expert a...

 Kitdhit is celebrated with great enthusiasm and zeal every year in the lower part of Gojal, Hunza, typically in the first week of February. In contrast, the upper part of Gojal-Hunza celebrates the festival after the conclusion of winter, marking the end of the cold season. As spring awakens from its winter slumber, the inhabitants of Gojal-Upper Hunza rejoice at the arrival of the warmer season. The festival of Kitdhit, also known as Kouth Zith, marks the beginning of spring and is a significant event in the Wakhi calendar. The name Kitdhit literally means "to clean up the smoke from their ceilings," reflecting the practice of cleaning traditional Wakhi houses after the long winter months. During the festival, local residents engage in various activities, including cleaning their traditional houses, which have accumulated smoke and dust on their ceilings. Adult villagers collect a special herb, known as "Poupshing" in Wakhi, used to clean the ceilings and dispose ...