Culture Of Gilgit Baltistan

Presented By : Muhammad Shakeel Balti

Map

Gilgit Baltistan is, perhaps, the most spectacular region

of Pakistan in terms of its geography and scenic beauty. Here world’s three mightiest mountain ranges: the Karakoram, the Handukush and the Himalayas – meet. The whole of Gilgit Baltistan is like a paradise for mountaineers and trekkers.

It borders the territory of Azad Kashmir to the south, the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to the west, Afghanistan to the north, the Xinjiang autonomous region of China to the east and northeast and the Jammu and Kashmir state of India to the southeast.

Introduction

In 1948, the Republic of Gilgit-Baltistan emerged on

the map of the world. The people of the region fought their own war

against the Dogra Raj and won their freedom . In 2009 Gilgit Baltistan became fifth province of

Pakistan, not province but provincial setup. Capital : Gilgit Districts are seven(7) Skardu, Gilgit, Hunza Nagar,

Diamer, Astore, Ganche. Largest City: Skardu Population: 1,800,000. Area : 72,496 km², Density 25/km2(64/sq mil)

Intro cont…..

Urdu and English are the official languages. Balti: The Balti dialect, a sub-dialect of Ladakhi and

part of the Tibetan language group, is spoken by the entire population of Baltistan.

Shina: The Shina language (with several dialects such as Asturjaa, Kharuchaa, and Chilasi) is the majority language of the population, spoken mainly in Gilgit, Astore, throughout Diamir, and in some parts of Ghizer, Hunza-Nagar and in the Baltistan region

Khowar/Chitrali

Languages

Brushaski: Burushaski is the second largest language

spoken in Gilgit including Hunza, Nagar, Yasin (where Khowar is also spoken), in some parts of Gilgit, and in some villages of Punial. Another interesting language is Domaaki, spoken by musician clans in the region.

Wakhi: Minor languages spoken in the region include Wakhi, spoken in upper Hunza, and in some villages in Ghizer

Languages cont…

Religious festivals Eid ul Azha Eid ul Fitr. Eid Milad un NabiCultural Festivals Jashn e Baharan Shandoor Polo Festival Babusar Polo Festival

FESTIVALSThere are religious and social festivals celebrated by

the people of Gilgit Baltistan.

The Gilgit Baltistan’s people way of life is mostly the

joint family system.

Which signifies their deep love for the family's solidarity and welfare.

Family System

Marriages are solemnized in presence of Nikah khwa

and witnesses. Life partners are commonly selected within the family.

A negligible fraction of love marriages, all marriages are arranged. Divorce rate is very low.

Marriage System

Mahandi

Barat

Walima

Marriage cont….

Dress

Men usually wear white shalwar kameez with white gilgiti cap.

Men Dress

Women usually wear, Loose kameez Shalwar. Cap with some silver touch. Silver Jewelry with Antique stones.

Women Dress

Dance

The famous trio band music is played in this region. On the rhythm of this loud music, men love to dance in their typical way.

This dance is performed by more than one

man wear some old style dresses and wear local hat and dance.

Old Man Dance

This unique dance is performed by men taking

one sword in right and Shield in left. One to six participants as pair can dance.

Sword Dance

This unique dance is performed by a man

wear earlier period  dress, long leather shoes and a stick has in hand.

Cow Boy Dance

Music

Alghani: The people of Gilgit, Ghizer Yasin,

Puniyal, and Gupis call this rhythm as Alghani. Ajoli: During departure of bride and groom

from house this rhythm is used in different parts of Gilgit.

Souse: A martial rhythm and it has a fast rhythm and is used specially in sword dances.

Dani: Dani is the name of a traditional music used in Hunza which links to Tibet, Baltistan and Laddakh.

Types Of Music

Musical Instruments

Instruments commonly used in Gilgit Baltistan are, Dadang (drum), Damal and Surnai while some other instruments like Sitar, Gabi(flut) Rabab and duff represent the different areas.

Cuisine /Food

Marzan Hrsapkhur Kiseer Drum fiti Prapo Rgearatee roti Namkeen tea Balay

Polo Neza Bazi Tapoo Ip Ip

Sports

THE END