Yadgha Speakers Observe Pathak in Chitral

FLI has been supporting Yadgha language speakers in the Lotkuh valley of Chitral to celebrate their cultural festival, Pathak, a special occasion, celebrated at the end of winter in the area. This year’s event had multiple programs in it. The event was organized by Modern Youth Development Organization (MYDO) in collaboration with FLI. MYDO is a youth driven CSO in the area working to encourage young people take responsibilities in areas of their interest. Alongside promoting young people’s initiatives, they promote their cultural identity by featuring their language as their intangible asset. Pathak in the region, as mentioned earlier is observed to welcome Spring but here in Lotkuh valley, the festival has many more embellishments as residents of the valley have religious attachment relating to the great saint, Pir Nasir Khisro who, the local believe, had visited the area and preached for Ismaili sect of Islam. This festival used to be traditionally observed to pay homage to Pir’s services every year. Women would wear traditional clothing on the occasion and visit each other homes with gifts. Men would visit the symbolic shrine of the Pir and pay tribute to him and pray for prosperity, peace and brotherhood in the community. All the proceedings are carried out in the Yadgha language connecting people with their cultural identity and language. That is the reason FLI supports the festival and encourages young Yadgha people to continue with the festivities and keep finding ways to promote their culture and language. During the event of this year, high performing students from the community were acknowledged with certificates and some traditional sports were also arranged for the young people. Dozens of young people including girls attended the last event while each item of the event was participated in a large number by the locals.