Keeping with tradition: Hopar Festival returns after a four-decade haitus

The event came back with a bang as local, foreign tourists packed the venue

GILGIT:

Revived after four decades, Hopar Festival came to a close on Thursday in Nagar Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan.

Originally planned for two days, the festival which started on Saturday was extended for six days after the organisers received a more than positive response. Its success has prompted the government into making it part of its annual calendar of events.

“Hopar Festival took us back to our childhood,” Mirza Hussain, a lawmaker from Nagar Valley, said at the closing ceremony. G-B Force Commander Maj Gen Asim Muneer and Chief Minister Mehdi Shah’s chopper landed at the venue shortly before the closing ceremony.

“It used to be held every year till the 70s but was discontinued for unknown reasons,” said Hussain.

Featured attractions included traditional dances, tug-of-war and of course, food. A considerable crowd could be seen at the festival. Nagar Valley is 100 kilometres distance from Gilgit.

“We enjoyed it thoroughly, as did the foreigners who showed up in good numbers throughout the festival,” said Jamil Nagri, a local.

“Such events help improve Pakistan’s image and for that we appreciate the local people for their contribution,” said Muneer at the closing ceremony.

“From now on [Hopar Festival] will be a part of the calendar of events and will be held every year,” said Shah, who also spoke on the occasion.

Shah announced setting up a museum in the valley to preserve culture which is vanishing fast. “This project will be included in the development schemes and I am sure it will help boost tourism in the region.”

Published in The Express Tribune, August 22^nd, 2014.