Tagham: A Ploughing Festival Celebrating the Arrival of Spring

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 to perform. Photo credit Karim Ahmad - Famous Artist.

However, in more remote areas, particularly in Gojal (the upper part of Hunza), Tagham remains a stronghold of pastoral tradition. Rooted in the region's agricultural heritage, the festival symbolizes the awakening of nature, the renewal of the agricultural cycle, and the hope for a bountiful harvest. While it has faded in urban areas, Tagham continues to thrive in remote valleys like Chipursun (bordering Afghanistan), Misgar, and Shimshal (bordering China). Despite changing times, Tagham remains significant for the people of these valleys, uniting them in their connection to the land and the renewal of their agricultural life.

Preparations for the Festival

Preparations for Tagham begin well in advance, with the village headman (Lumberdar) organizing the community to repair agricultural infrastructure such as irrigation channels while farmers ready their tools. As the event approaches, farmers gather to dry wheat grains on rooftops in preparation for grinding them into flour using traditional water mills. Although electric mills have become more common, the traditional method still holds cultural value. Simultaneously, families, especially women, prepare essential festival foods like apricot oil, fresh butter, and meat for symbolic dishes. The village fills with the aromas of freshly baked bread and roasting meats, creating a sense of unity and anticipation. Each household places grains for sowing in unfolded Wakhi caps, as plastic bags were unavailable in earlier times. This practice has grown more significant in addressing contemporary issues such as climate change. These rituals unite the community and reinforce their agricultural connection.

The First Day: Pirkitin (Mixing)

On the first day of Tagham, known as Pirkitin in Wakhi, special dishes central to the festival’s celebrations are prepared. A large cauldron is used to cook "Samen/ Dihram," a sweet delicacy made over an open flame.

The Samen Pirkitin process: Photo credit Muhabat Karim.

 Other traditional dishes, such as Khista, Geral, Shulbuth, Beth, and Moul, are also prepared, each holding special significance. Wheat flour is sprinkled on the pillars and wooden beams of local houses to invoke blessings for a prosperous agricultural season and the long, healthy life of family members. Families recite holy verses, seeking good fortune for the coming months. A key ritual involves the symbolic distribution of items from the Shogun Putuk tribe, including juniper branches, apricot wood (Setors), and the early-blooming plant Pishpishnuk. 

After sunset, each family places these plants on their rooftops. Later, following the Calipha/Qari’s instructions about the favorable timing (Saat), the items are brought into the house. The person who brings them inside holds the plants and chants, "Shogun Behor Muborak, Pur Zaw, Pur Gendum, Pur Baqla dum dum, dum," 

Photo credit: Muhabat Karim.

It means, congratulations on the arrival of the spring festival, and wishing for good crops of barley, wheat, and baqla (local black beans). These plants are believed to bring protection, fertility, and good fortune to the community. Additionally, a designated member from the Shogun Putuk tribe prepares oxen for the second day’s ploughing ceremony, reinforcing the festival’s agricultural theme.

The Second Day: Chirg (Ploughing)

On the second day of Tagham, agricultural customs continue, reinforcing unity within the community. A key ritual involves women sprinkling water on people passing by, symbolizing purification and renewal as they prepare for the new farming season. Before the Chirg-Vounder ceremony (Ploughing-field Ceremony), each family member visits the homes of their elders, reinforcing familial bonds and emphasizing mutual support. The Shogun Putuk Rum (traditionally designated tribe) performs the Tumaan (Huge Smoke) ritual in their forefather’s traditional old house in Wakhi, known as Pup-khun. The smoke, created by burning juniper branches and Sapander (a fragrant herb from the mountains), is believed to bring good fortune. 

Shogun Putuk busy with Tuman at Pup-Khun- Photo credit Karim Ahmad - Famous Artist.

Apricot dry fruit juice (Chamus) is sprinkled over the crowd, symbolizing hopes for a successful fruit season. Furthermore, the local Calipha/Qari recites holy verses and prayers for good omens in the coming season. 

Clipha/Qari Ali Haider reciting the holy verse and prayers for good harvesting season.Photo Credit Sidjon.

A designated member of the Shogun Putuk tribe wears a traditional cloak and cap, roars toward a heap of natural fertilizer, and signals the start of sowing grains in a circular pattern. Families with newborn boys participate in a unique tradition, dressing their babies in new clothes, special Wakhi caps adorned with pearls, and white scarves (mufflers). 

A proud mother ready to take the turn for her son's Supunder. Photo credit-Sidjon.

The babies are presented with traditional wooden ploughing tools (Supunder in Wakhi and Hal in Urdu, Hand Ploughs), symbolic gifts meant to wish them success in life. 

A boy with Shogun Putuk enjoying Supunder-Photo credit Karim Ahmad - Famous Artist.

The community then gathers to share food brought by each household in the form of local dishes, ensuring everyone enjoys the event. Volunteers make sure that no one is deprived, even those temporarily unable to attend. 

Traditional cuisine at its finest! A variety of local dishes ready to be served.

After the ceremony, elders from each household lead their family and repeat the same process in their ploughing fields, declaring that their offspring/new generations are ready to uphold the customs of their ancestors.

The Importance of Agro-Based Products for Health and Food Security

In the context of rising food prices and economic challenges, the importance of agro-based products in promoting good health and ensuring food security cannot be overstated. The Tagham festival serves as a reminder of the value of local, organic farming practices, which contribute significantly to the well-being of individuals and communities. In Gojal-Hunza, where agriculture remains the backbone of the economy, food produced through traditional farming methods is nutrient-rich and free from the additives commonly found in industrially processed foods.

Samen- local Sweet Dish during Tagham Photo-credit: the Author.

The festival itself highlights the significance of cultivating staple crops like barley, wheat, and local beans, which are not only integral to the local diet but are also vital in maintaining health through natural, unprocessed nutrition. In the face of rising global food prices and supply chain disruptions, the Tagham festival serves as a powerful message for embracing local, sustainable agriculture. By continuing to value agro-based products, communities can better withstand economic challenges, ensuring a stable and healthy food supply for future generations.

Tagham’s Broader Significance

Tagham is not only a celebration of spring but also a reflection of the deep connection between the people of Gojal-Hunza and their land. In an era of rapid modernization, the festival serves as a powerful reminder to preserve sustainable farming practices and maintain harmony with nature.

Ever green Junipar tree  branch and pishpishnuk the frist bloomed local plant with grains in traditional wakhi cap.

The people of Gojal-Hunza understand that their prosperity is closely tied to the health of the land.Through Tagham, they reaffirm their commitment to preserving practices that benefit both the environment and future generations. Additionally, the festival fosters cross-cultural exchange, with visitors from around the world coming to witness the region’s rich traditions, promoting cultural diversity, dialogue, and solidarity on a global scale.

Conclusion: A Celebration of Resilience and Unity

Ultimately, Tagham is a profound expression of the resilience, unity, and cultural strength of the Gojal-Hunza community. It strengthens familial and communal bonds while celebrating agricultural sustainability and cultural heritage. Through shared rituals, meals, and traditional games, the festival highlights values such as patience, respect, and mutual support. As the people of Gojal-Hunza come together to celebrate the arrival of spring, they also renew their commitment to living in harmony with each other and the land. The festival concludes with traditional games, music, and dance. Polo, once known as the "game of kings," remains popular in Gojal-Hunza, with many notable polo players from the area, including the legendary polo player Mr. Shah Gul Aziz (late) from Gulmit, known for his bravery and legendary matches.

Mr. Shah Gul Aziz the legend polo player of GB haling from Gulmit Gojal Hunza.

Recently, horse polo has vanished in the central part of Gojal-Hunza due to its high cost. However, in Chipursun valley, some young players manage to continue it by themselves, fighting for its co-existence and sustainability. On the other hand, during the Tagham festival, young boys participate in Katal Polo (foot polo), while women engage in traditional swing games. Relatives, in-laws, and elders visit one another, reinforcing solidarity. Through Tagham, the people of Gojal-Hunza inspire others to appreciate the importance of climate change awareness, environmental sustainability, cultural heritage, and community strength. Despite global challenges, this timeless festival serves as a reminder of the immense power of unity, tradition, and the land that sustains us all.