Culture of Gilgit Baltistan
Gilgit-Baltistan is a very sparsely populated high-mountain area in the north of Pakistan. Its natural environment is usually described with superlatives the longest glaciers outside of the polar region, home of the world’s second-highest peak (K2) and four more eight-thousands . Culture of Gilgit Baltistan is famous for its unique tradition and for its loving people. It has largely high mountain desert geologically that spreads over three high mountain systems the Himalaya ,the Karakorum and the Hindukush. The society of GB is diverse in terms of language, religion and ethnicity
Culture
Gilgit-Baltistan is home to a number of diversified cultures, ethnic groups, languages, and various backgrounds. It is home to people belonging to all regions of Gilgit-Baltistan as well as from other cities of Pakistan and abroad. This multitude of cultures is due to the strategic location of Gilgit Being the headquarters of Gilgit-Baltistan most of the key offices are located in Gilgit.
Language
Shina is the basic language spoken by most of the original settlers, but the newcomers have various backgrounds in languages and cultures. Other key languages spoken in Gilgit are:
- Brushaski
- Wakhi
- Khowar
- Balt
Urdu and English are the official languages spoken, while other languages include Pashto and Punjabi. Because of various cultures, the pattern of living, housing, food style and overall lifestyle has become a mixture having various colors.
People of Gilgit Baltistan
Because of the multicultural and multilingual aspects, people also have a beautiful mix of lifestyles and attitudes. These range from the typical people tending to preserve the traditions and culture to the modern people, somehow influenced by other cultures, media, and education. That makes a pluralistic society that has a range of people with various backgrounds and living together in peace and tranquility.
Religion of Gilgit Baltistan
Majority of the inhabitants are Muslims belonging to two different communities of interpretations Sunnies, Shias and Ismailies. A small number of Christians also reside in Gilgit. For religious practices Sunnies go to Masjid, Shias go to Imam Bara and Ismailies attend Jamat Khana.
Festivities
There are mainly two types of festivals i.e. religious and cultural. Religious festivals include: Eid-e-Ghadir, Edi-ul Fitr and Eid Miladunnabi (the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad-Peace be upon Him). There are some other important events specific to different communities of interpretation which are celebrated with complete peace and fraternity.
Culture of Gilgit Baltistan events include:
There are different Cultural events of Gilgit Baltistan that add happiness and love to the Culture of Gilgit Baltistan. The People of Gilgit Baltistan are loving and Caring. These are the greatest opportunities for people to get together and share their talents and skills.
- Navroz
- Jashn-e-Baharan
- Cultural festivals
- Shandoor Polo Festival
- Babusar Polo Festival
- Harvest time festival
Gilgiti Music
The famous trio band music is played in this region as in most of the other regions. On the rhythm of this loud music, men love to dance in their typical way. There are some variations in lyrics from region to region.
Gilgiti Dance
The people of Gilgit-Baltistan have some unique and very beautiful dances in different parts. Following dances are common during the festivals, traditional events and ceremonies
Old Man Dance
In this dance more than one person wears some old style dresses and dances.
Sword Dance
In this unique dance the participants show taking one sword in right and shield in left. One to six participants as a pair can dance.
Cow Boy Dance (Payaloo)
In this dance a person wears an old style dress, long leather shoes and a stick in hand.
Traditional Music
The instruments commonly used in Gilgit-Baltistan of Pakistan are Dadang (drum), Damal and Surnai while some other instruments like Sitar, Gabi(Flute) Rabab and duff represent the different areas. Beside these khiling-boo.chang, porgho-too etc instruments are used in Baltistan region.
Read more about : Saraiki Culture and Traditional Music in Pakistan
Dress
The dress plays a central role in the identity of a person. Traditional clothing of the region is influenced by local culture, geography and weather.
Men’s dress
Male members of Gilgit Baltistan wear different stuff of woollen caps they consider it as an honour for them.
Men usually wear:
- Woollen hat
- Shalwar kameez
- Woollen robe with long or short sleeve
Women’s dress
The most elegant part of women’s dress is the traditional cap. Various types of caps are used. The most popular cap is the beautiful embroidered Iraghi cap with the traditional piece of the jewel called silsila. Many other types of caps are used in various regions.
The custom of wearing caps is also common in Gilgit Baltistan, especially during events like bridal makeup. Women usually wear:
- Iraghi cap
- Loose shalwar kameez
- Colorful frock
Conclusion
Culture of Gilgit Baltistan is famous for their Tradition , Love and Care for everyone. Gilgit-Baltistan is a very sparsely populated high mountain area in the north of Pakistan. Its natural environment is usually described with superlatives the longest glaciers outside of the polar region.Gilgit-Baltistan is home to a number of diversified cultures, ethnic groups, languages, and various backgrounds. It is home to people belonging to all regions of Gilgit-Baltistan as well as from other cities of Pakistan .