Written by: Amna Naseem
Posted on: August 26, 2021 | 
| 中文
Artists of the Bulbulik Music School (Credits to S.M. Bukhari's photography)
Pakistan is home to many diverse communities with fascinating traditions. Amid Northern Pakistan’s picturesque valleys and breath-taking mountains reside the Wakhi people. The Wakhi community, also known as Khik or Pamiri, are an Iranian ethnic group who moved from Central Asia in the early twentieth century. The community primarily inhabits the Upper Hunza Valley, also known as Gojal. Other areas where the Wakhi population can be found are Ishkoman and Broghil valley. Apart from Pakistan, Wakhi people also reside in Tajikistan, the Wakhan Corridor region of Afghanistan and parts of Xinjiang in China.
Gojal Valley (credits to Syed Mehdi Bukhari)
The native language of the Wakhi people is also called Wakhi. This is a mix of Indo-European languages belonging to the Pamir family of languages. Wakhi is an archaic language, distinct from the rest of Pamiri dialects such as Shina, Burukshaski, Balti, and others. The language has been declared endangered by UNESCO because there are very few native speakers around the world. In many areas that the Wakhi inhabit, including Pakistan, the language is only spoken and not written. A government registered organization ‘Wakhi Cultural Association (WCA)’ was established with the collaboration of Ministry of Culture and Tourism and Lok Virsa Pakistan for the preservation of this historic language, and the music and poetry of the Wakhi people.
Wakhi locals
The Wakhi people can be recognized from their fair complexions and colored eyes. The most distinct symbols of Wakhi heritage and culture are the colorful, hand-embroidered caps called Iraghi. These are mostly worn by Wakhi brides and elderly women, with a drape (dupatta or chaddar) covering the head. For the men, the attire is simply a kameez shalwar with a waist-coat, and a woolen cap called sekeed in Wakhi. For special occasions, the sekeed is embellished with a plume’s feather, and a long, woolen overcoat with beautiful embroidery is worn by men during days of festivity. In the past, education was discouraged in the community but this trend has changed over time. Increasingly, the Wakhis are sending their youth to major cities in pursuit of higher education.
Iraghi and sekeed
The Wakhis generally maintain a simple lifestyle. Their livelihood depends primarily on farming and small scale businesses. However, increase in tourism to the northern areas over the past few years has helped them venture into the tourism industry as well. They often work as tour guides, helping travelers explore the region.
Local women prepare rotis in a kitchen
Traditional Wakhi weddings usually consists of multiple ceremonies. As per tradition, all of the groom's family members and guests are invited for a pre-wedding event known as Perg Vendak. The groom's family sends gifts and garlands to the bride's home on this day. The next event is known as Betrasid, where the guests eat together with the groom’s family, and then the elders say prayers for the betrothed couple. The meal that is shared in Betrasid is the famous dish Chamurki, prepared with crunched up flat breads (rotis) and fat (desi ghee). Chamurki is served with milk. When the wedding day, known as Shoninivz, finally arrives, the groom and his family visit the bride's home and tie the knot. Back at the groom's home, the union is celebrated with a cultural dance.
Chamurki
Music is a very important aspect of Wakhi culture. Wakhi folk music has been on the verge of extinction, but efforts are being made to preserve it. A folk music school has been established to promote Wakhi music. The name of Gojal’s first music school, Bulbulik, is inspired by the nightingales, a symbol which features in many Urdu and Persian poems. For Wakhi folk music lovers, the school is breaking new ground. Male and female students learn to play Rubob, Ghazxek, Sitar, Gabi, and Tutek, among other regional instruments. These instruments are frequently played on special events.
Wakhi culture is heavily influenced by ancient Persian traditions. A festival that is widely celebrated throughout Gilgit Baltistan is Nowruz (New day). This marks the starting of the spring season in the region. On the Gregorian calendar Nowruz falls on the 21st of May. For the Wakhi people, since their livelihood depends on farming, this day holds immense importance. The locals prepare food and come together to eat. In Gilgit Baltistan, a public holiday is observed on Nowruz. It is celebrated in all areas inhabited by Wakhi people, including Afghanistan, Iran, Turkey and all the ‘-stan’ states. Another celebration revolving around the farming season is Tagham. Tagham is a festival that celebrates the sowing of seeds and the arrival of fresh water for cultivation.
Wakhi children (Credits to Matthieu Paley)
The Wakhi people are known for their hospitality and warmth. Their rich culture and wholesome traditions should be preserved and promoted. It is with the help of their contributions that Pakistan’s tourism industry has been thriving in recent times!
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