Kabaddi matches, 'attan' dance enthrall locals at Bajaur Festival

The two-day Bajaur Festival kicked off at the Bajaur Sports Complex in Khar on Saturday.

Jointly organised by the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority (KPCTA), the Tourism Wing of Merged Districts and the district administration, the festival showcases various sports competitions such as cycling races, kabaddi, tug-of-war, and martial arts.

Magic shows, poetry recital sessions, local music, the traditional 'attan' dance, comedy skits, and a play area for children are also part of the gala besides food and handicraft stalls. The Bajaur Scouts 172 Wing and Bajaur police are also cooperating to make the festival a success.

On the first day, the festival featured tableaus by schoolchildren, kabaddi, martial arts competitions, comedy skits, poetry sessions, and traditional music performances. A musical evening was also held.

On the second day, the festival will host the final rounds of the cycling race and martial arts competitions along with cultural dance and local band performances, comedy shows and poetry readings by local poets.

The event is aimed at promoting sports and healthy activities in the merged districts of the province to boost tourism, engage youth in constructive activities, and convey a positive image of Bajaur to the world.

The KPCTA, along with the Tourism Wing of the merged districts, has previously organised similar events in other tribal districts including Khyber, Orakzai, Wana, Tank and Waziristan.

These initiatives have successfully promoted sports and tourism in the region.

Additionally, the finale of the Shandur Ice Sports Challenge will be held among teams from Gilgit-Baltistan at the Shandur Top today (Sunday). A total of 119 competitors, including 46 females, from the Lower Chitral and Upper Chitral districts participated in the event.