Promoting peace, pluralism: All set to celebrate mountain cultural festival in Islamabad

“Culture for Peace and Pluralism” festival is being organized by the Initiative for IPPAC.

In a much bigger and more representative way, the people of Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral are holding a two-day festival of their cultural life covering their arts, crafts, literature, language and cuisine in the federal capital.

Mountain communities of the GBC regions have diverse and unique cultures that are very different from those of other Himalayan people, said a press release.

They are also distinct in the sense they have remained in virtual isolation due to their inaccessibility and therefore possess a pristine purity untainted by urban life of the plains.

The “Culture for Peace and Pluralism” festival is being organized by the Initiative for Promotion of Pamiri Arts and Culture (IPPAC) in collaboration with Capital Development Authority on February 22 and 23 at the Open Air Theatre, Shakarparian to mark the International Mother Tongue Day.

The objective of the festival is the promotion of understanding, peace and harmony at a time when these values have suffered immensely at the hands of extremist forces and to highlight the challenges that the culture and languages of the GBC face.

Renowned poets, linguists, singers and musicians of Shina, Balti, Khowar, Brushaski and Wakhi languages from across the Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral will highlight the importance of preserving and promoting indigenous cultures and languages.

There will be live performances of these arts and crafts for the residents of the twin cities, the diplomatic community and especially aficionados of remote cultures.

The festival is expected to afford a chance to GBC residents living in Rawalpindi-Islamabad and surrounding districts to revive memories of placid mountain life in the hubbub of city life. Visitors to the festival will have a taste of the exotic Pamiri cuisines and the opportunity to buy the unique products of their cottage works. On this occasion, Shina poet Zafar Waqar Taj’s new album will also be launched.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 21^st, 2014.