Eidul Azha celebrations: Soulful music uplifts spirits post Malala attack

A musical night entertains people with traditional beats.

SWAT:

Amid the festivities of Eidul Azha, scores of people enjoyed traditional beats during a three-day concert that kicked off in Swat on Sunday.

Titled “Akhtar da Khushalo” (Eid of entertainment), the event featured folk musicians from across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) who enthralled the audience with melodies that helped uplift spirits after the recent attack on Malala Yousafzai.

Held at the spacious Wadudia Hall, the concert was packed with music enthusiasts, who seemed not only excited but also relieved. “There is a refreshing mix of both old and new songs with traditional glimpses here and there. Everyone seems to be having a good time and it is safe to say that we have not experienced such entertainment for a very long time,” Zahid Waseem, a spectator said.

The performers, too, seemed overwhelmed by the turnover. Famous Pashto singer Karan Khan commended the show that was organised in the valley for the first time.

“The excitement of the people was evident by their energetic applause. They sang with us, their participation made it ever so lively,” he said while talking to The Express Tribune.

“Entertainment is the only way to pull people out of the throes of trauma. Swat is a peaceful land and it is our joint responsibility to strengthen its peace. The world should see us as civilised and peace-loving people,” said Bakhtiar Khattak, a famous Pashto singer.

The event was organised by Svastu Arts and Culture Association in collaboration with K-P Cultural Directorate. While talking to The Express Tribune, the chairman of the association, Usman Ulasyar said, “We aim to provide decent entertainment and highlight the Pakhtun culture in all its glory. Swat has a centuries-old and rich cultural heritage and we want to revive that.” 

Published in The Express Tribune, October 30^th, 2012.