Tourism Department of the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan is organizing a three-day cultural event titled “Silk Route Festival 2013”. PAMIR TIMES will attempt to present photographs and videos from the three-day event at this page everyday, as part of its efforts to project a soft image of the region. You can join us in this endeavor by emailing photographs and updates to pamir.times@gmail.com.

1. DAY THREE (III)

The concluding ceremony of the Silk Route Festival has now drawn to an end, after a colourful display of the region’s rich cultural heritage. People from across Gojal valley put in a lot of efforts to make the festival a success.

The local people continued the festivities for almost one hour more after the departure of the guests.

The minister and the delegation of ambassadors and diplomatic staff have left Gulmit after attending the festival for almost 45 minutes.

Elders from Gojal Valley presenting a cultural dance in front of the guests. The tradition of dance and music is at the core of Gilgit-Baltistan’s culture. Dancing in front of the guest symbolizes joy and happiness felt at welcoming them. It is also a sign of honoring the guests. Photo: Aziz Karim

Flags of different countries hoisted at the venue. Ambassador of Korea, Azerbaijan and Kyrghizstan are among the visitors, along with diplomatic staff from Italy, China, Egypt, Syria and the Repulic of Korea. Photo: Aejza Karim

Flags of different countries hoisted at the venue. Ambassador of Korea, Azerbaijan and Kyrghizstan are among the visitors, along with diplomatic staff from Italy, China, Egypt, Syria and the Repulic of Korea. Photo: Aejza Karim

Members of three community based pipe-bands perform in front of the guests during the closing ceremony of the Silk Route Festival 2013.Photo: Hussain Nagr

Students of Al-Amyn Model School performing a march-past and saluting the national flag as the guests rise in their seats. Photo: Hussain Nagri

Village elders watch the proceedings of the Silk Route Festival in Gulmit (Gojal), upper Hunza. Photo: Hussain Nagri

Volunteers and students preparing for the final ceremony of the Silk Route Festival, scheduled to be held tomorrow at Gulmit,Gojal. Photos: Aejaz Karim

1. DAY TWO

Children perform a cultural dance at Jataq, in Altit Valley, Hunza, while the ambassadors and other dignitaries clap for them. Photo: Hussain Nagri

Hunza: The ambassadors and diplomatic staff this morning arrived at the Collision Point Chalt (Nagar), where they were received by officials of the district administration and Tourism Department. A programme demonstrating the Anglo-Borosho War of 1891 was held at Nilt, Nagar, where the guests were also briefed about the region’s history.

An aritst presenting traditional sword dance in front of the guests

Earlier, local community in Sikandarabad, Nagar, presented a programme highlighting the Ancient Silk Route Caravan, at Sikandarabad, Nagar. They later reached the Rakaposhi View Point, where they were greeted by Finance Minister Muhammad Ali Akhtar and MLA Mirza Hussain.

Senior citizens from Hunza Valley presenting a cultural dance in front of the guests

The visitors later reached Hunza (Karimabad) where they got the opportunity to see an exhibition and also tour the Baltit Fort. They also walked through the Altit Khun. They also spent a considerable amount of time at the Jataq area where a programme focusing on cultural dances and music was held.

Speaker Wazir Baig, Advisor Sadia Danish, FM Muhammad Ali Akhtar, Chief Secretary Younus Dhaga and other dignitaries are also present at the occasion.

 

Silk Route Festival related activities in Karimabad, Hunza Valley.  Photographs by Ejaz Ali.

An exhibitor at the Silk Route Festival related exhibition in Karimabad, Hunza Valley, Photo: Karim Hunzai

1. INAUGURAL DAY 

The guests from Islamabad could not reach Gilgit on time, due to inclement weather.The inaugural session started in the absence of the ambassadors, diplomatic staff and media personnel.

The guests included HE Ro Kyoung Chol, Ambassador of DPR of Korea, HE Dashgin Shikarov, Ambassador of Azerbaijan, HE H.E. Volodymyr Lakomov, Ambassador of Ukraine, Dr. Song Jong-hwan Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, HE Dr. Ali Muhra, Charge d’affairs of Syria, HE Kubayanebek Toktorbeav, Charge d’affairs Kyrghizistan and 13 other diplomats from China, Japan, Italy, Egypt and Indonesia.

GB Governor Syed Pir Karam Ali Shah inaugurated the festival, formally, when the envoys and ambassadors reached.

The guests visited different stalls.

A friendly polo match was held in their honour at the historical Aga Khan Shahi Shawaran.

Traditional Dance of Gilgit-Baltistan being performed for the visitors

Students dressed in cultural attire at a stall

Visitors at a stall

A young Balti kid donning the cultural hat

Two kids dressed in local attire

Envoys and local dignitaries visiting cultural stalls during the festival

Governor Gilgit-Baltistan, Chief Secretary, VC KIU and Sadia Danish addressing the inaugural session

Governor Gilgit-Baltistan and visiting ambassadors inaugurate the Silk Route Festival

1. PREPARATIONS AT KARAKURAM INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
   26th October, 2013

Gilgit: Volunteers and organizers preparing stalls one day before the opening ceremony of the Silk Route Festival at the Karakuram International University, Konodas, Gilgit. The photographs have been shared by Mamtaz Hussain Gohar.

You can CLICK on any of the image for enlarged view.