Introduction
The Creator of this universe has bestowed upon him every blessing since the universe’s creation and the arrival of humanity. As Muslims, we hold that Allah determines a child’s fate and destiny before bringing it into the world. Then, it experiences whatever is written, be it joy or sadness, life or death. God sent his servant to this world to see how obedient he is, how closely he walks in His ways, and how much he obeys His orders. The Lord of Honor, Allah, has even put His sent prophets to the test. The first of them is Abraham (peace be upon him), who was commanded by Allah to sacrifice his most precious object in order to follow His way.
So, Hazrat Abraham (peace be upon him) thought of sacrificing his beloved son, Hazrat Ismail (peace be upon him). This concept is why we celebrate Eid ul-Adha from that time until now. Today, we will talk about how this day is celebrated in one of the most beautiful places in the world.
The Arabic word “Eid” means “festival” or “celebration.”
Within the context of Islamic culture, the term “Eid” refers to the two main religious holidays: Eid ul-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, and Eid ul-Adha, which honors the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God.
The “Festival of Sacrifice,” or Eid ul-Adha, is one of the most significant Islamic holidays. The Arabic term “Eid ul-Adha” means “Festival of Sacrifice”. It symbolizes the Prophet Abraham (Ishmael)’s desire to offer his son Ismail (Ishmael) as a sacrifice in response to God’s instruction. But God gave a ram in its place to be sacrificed.
The celebration includes special prayers, the killing of an animal (often a camel, sheep, goat, or cow), and the distribution of the meat to needy people and family members. It lasts roughly three days and is observed on the tenth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the final month in the Islamic lunar calendar.
History of Eid Uldha in Gilgit Baltistan and its Unique Culture
History
Islam was brought to Baltistan in the fourteenth century by Sufi Muslim preachers from Persia and Central Asia. Among them was the well-known Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani, who arrived via Kashmir[31], while Islam was introduced to the Gilgit region in the same century by Turkic Tarkhan kings. Numerous regional dynasties ruled over Gilgit-Baltistan; two notable ones were the Maqpon dynasty of Skardu and the Rajas of Hunza.
Since the region’s conversion to Islam, Gilgit-Baltistan has probably observed Eid ul-Adha. This would put the first festivals in the 14th or 15th century, with the introduction of Islamic doctrine. Similar to other Muslim-majority areas, Gilgit-Baltistan observes Eid ul-Adha customs that include special prayers, animal sacrifices, and the giving of meat to friends, family, and the underprivileged.
The way that Eid ul-Adha is observed has also been impacted by Gilgit-Baltistan’s distinctive cultural features, including as its various languages and customs. The festival is a time for community get-togethers, feasts, and sharing, which reflects the rich cultural legacy of the area as well as the holiday’s Islamic significance.
Culture and geographical diversity
When a place is extraordinarily beautiful, its culture is often even more stunning and unique. Gilgit-Baltistan is a combination of different peoples, sects, and diversity. Each area and district has a culture quite different from the others. The cultural heritage of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, manifests itself in local traditions, music, and dress.
Traditional dress
The traditional dress for both males and females in Gilgit-Baltistan is shalwar kameez along with the local Gilgiti caps.
Dance and Music
Local Dance
Gilgit-Baltistan has its own local dance, which varies from district to district because of the different languages spoken in each district. The five main languages spoken in Gilgit-Baltistan are Shina, Khowar, Burushaski, Wakhi, and Balti.
Festivals
Main Festival
The main festival is Jashn-e-Baharan (Spring Festival), which is celebrated in every district of Gilgit. This festival includes local Gilgiti dance, music, and popular games.
Polo
The most famous game in Gilgit-Baltistan is polo, played every year at the Shandur Polo Festival. Enthusiasts from every district come and participate with great zeal.
Recommendation
I recommend to everyone reading this article: if you are interested in visiting Gilgit-Baltistan and want to experience its famous culture, you must attend the Shandur Polo Festival, which is held on July 1st this year, Inshallah.
Its beautiful lakes that exist in every district, like Attabad Lake in Hunza or Phander and Khalti Lakes in Ghizer. Then there are the glaciers, the largest and most beautiful, such as the famous Baltoro and Biafo Glaciers. And this paradise is called Gilgit-Baltistan.
Another significant festival is the Winter Festival, celebrated every year in the winter season, starting just after January 1st. This unique festival is held on the frozen lakes, where the water turns to ice. During the festival, people of all ages, from children to the elderly, participate in activities such as football matches and skiing. Local music and dance are also integral parts of this festival.
Winter Festival
Activities
Held on frozen lakes, featuring activities like football matches on ice and skiing.
Participation from all age groups.
Cultural Elements
Local music and dance performances add to the festive atmosphere.
Recommendation:
I also recommend to all of you who are interested in experiencing the culture of Gilgit-Baltistan to join these two famous festivals: the Shandur Polo Festival and the Winter Festival. By attending these, you will get to know 90% of the culture of Gilgit-Baltistan.
Historical Places
Baltit Fort
A historical fort in the Hunza Valley, showcasing the rich heritage and history of the region.
Gupis Fort
Located in the Gupis Valley, it reflects the strategic and cultural significance of the area.
Altit Fort
Another historical fort in Hunza, known for its ancient architecture and historical importance.
By visiting these historical sites, you can gain deeper insights into the history and cultural legacy of Gilgit-Baltistan.
Another significant festival is the Winter Festival, celebrated every year in the winter season, starting just after January 1st. This unique festival is held on the frozen lakes, where the water turns to ice. During the festival, people of all ages, from children to the elderly, participate in activities such as football matches and skiing. Local music and dance are also integral parts of this festival.
Eid ul-Adha Celebrations in Gilgit-Baltistan
Now let’s get back to our main topic: how Eid ul-Adha is celebrated in this beautiful and uniquely cultural place. Gilgit-Baltistan is also well-known for livestock. About 95% of the people in this area have their own livestock, so they don’t usually need to buy milk, eggs, ghee, or meat from outside sources. For Eid ul-Adha, they raise an animal from the beginning of the year. When their livestock gives birth to a new baby, they dedicate it for sacrifice and take care of it throughout the year. Most people don’t buy animals for sacrifice; instead, they raise them themselves, and they mostly prefer sacrificing a goat.
Preparation and Sacrifice
Everyone wakes up early, performs prayers, and then gathers around a traditional setup where they light a fire and make tea.
After enjoying tea together, they proceed to perform the Eid prayer.
Unlike other places where a butcher might be hired, here people perform the sacrifice themselves.
They take great care in preparing the animal for sacrifice, washing it and adorning it with kohl in its eyes and sometimes decorative chains and jewelry.
A large pot (dokhna) made of flour and ghee is prepared before the sacrifice. The animal for sacrifice is bathed, its eyes are adorned with kohl, and it is decorated before the sacrifice.
The meat is divided into three parts: one for the family, one for relatives, and one for the poor.
After the sacrifice, various dishes are prepared, such as rice curry and Gilgiti paratha, and people invite each other over for meals.
A beautiful tradition is sending Eidi to their married daughters’ homes on Eid. Each Eid has a different custom, and for Eid ul Adha, they send meat.
Unmarried daughters who are engaged receive Eidi from their future in-laws. People visit each other’s homes to wish Eid and enjoy meals together, strengthening community bonds. During the three days of Eid, there are family gatherings, picnics, and the preparation of various dishes.
Gilgit is known for its famous dishes such as:
Traditional Dishes
Dawedawe
A special dish made from the lungs of the animal.
Phulai
Made from the head and feet of the animal.
Goli:
Simple thin bread made from flour, eaten after dipping in ghee.
Muldah:
A dish made from intestines, also eaten with ghee.
Modern Dishes:
Rice dishes like pulao, different types of curries, and contemporary dishes like karahi and chowmein.
Cultural Activities:
Music Nights:
In some places, local music nights are organized during the days of Eid, where mostly men participate while women generally join only if the event is nearby.
Family and Social Gatherings
Picnics and Meals
Families go on picnics and enjoy meals together, often bringing traditional and modern dishes to share.
Community Involvement
These gatherings strengthen the sense of community and allow people to celebrate together, reflecting the region’s hospitality and rich cultural traditions.
Eid Celebrations:
Family Picnics:
Families spend time together outdoors, enjoying the natural beauty of Gilgit-Baltistan.
Gilgit-Baltistan’s Eid celebrations are a beautiful blend of traditional and modern practices, reflecting the region’s rich cultural heritage and strong sense of community.
By participating in these rich and meaningful traditions, one can fully appreciate the cultural heritage of Gilgit-Baltistan during Eid ul-Adha. For anyone interested in the culture of this region, attending both the Shandur Polo Festival and the Winter Festival is highly recommended, as these events encapsulate 90% of the cultural essence of Gilgit-Baltistan. Additionally, visiting historical places such as Baltit Fort, Gupis Fort, and Altit Fort will provide deeper insights into the history and heritage of the region.
Conclusion:
The celebration of Eid ul-Adha in Gilgit-Baltistan is characterized by distinctive local customs and traditions that reflect the region’s diverse heritage. This holiday combines religious devotion, cultural richness, and communal harmony in a profound way. It is rooted in the historical significance of Prophet Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son. The celebration is marked by early morning prayers, the painstaking preparation of the sacrificial animal, and the sharing of meat with family, friends, and the needy. Traditional dishes, music, dance, and family get-togethers further heighten the festive mood, showcasing the vibrant culture of Gilgit-Baltistan.
In conclusion, Eid ul-Adha in Gilgit-Baltistan is more than just a religious holiday; it is a celebration of life, culture, and community, deeply rooted in history and tradition. Visitors to this region during Eid will not only witness a unique cultural experience but will also gain a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage and warm hospitality of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan. The region’s breathtaking natural beauty, coupled with its historical sites like Baltit Fort, Gupis Fort, and Altit Fort, add to the allure of celebrating Eid here. Additional opportunities to experience the local culture and community spirit are provided by festivals like the Shandur Polo Festival and the Winter Festival.
This is just a brief overview, but if you visit Gilgit-Baltistan, you’ll experience so much more. The culture here is incredibly rich, and I am sure you’ll thoroughly enjoy immersing yourself in it. The natural beauty, traditional dishes, and unique cultural practices make it a wonderful place to visit, especially during festivals like Eid.
