The Shandur Polo Festival is a three-day annual event held at the Shandur Pass, located in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan. The festival is a celebration of the traditional sport of polo, which is played on the highest polo ground in the world. The festival attracts visitors from all over the world and is a unique experience for both players and spectators.
History:
The Shandur Polo Festival has a long and fascinating history. The festival was first held in 1936, when the British built a polo ground at Shandur Pass. The polo ground was used by the British to play polo matches between their officers stationed in Gilgit and Chitral. The locals soon became interested in the game and started playing polo themselves. In 1947, after the partition of India, the polo ground was abandoned and fell into disrepair.
In 1978, the government of Pakistan decided to revive the Shandur Polo Festival as a means of promoting tourism in the region. The festival was an instant success and has been held every year since then.
The Game of Polo:
Polo is a traditional sport that has been played in the region for centuries. The game is played on horseback, with two teams of four players each. The objective of the game is to score goals by hitting a small wooden ball with a long-handled mallet. The game is fast-paced and requires a high level of skill and physical fitness.
The Shandur Polo Festival:
The Shandur Polo Festival is held every year in July. The festival is a three-day event that includes polo matches, cultural shows, and handicraft exhibitions. The festival attracts visitors from all over Pakistan and abroad.
The highlight of the festival is the polo match played between the teams of Chitral and Gilgit. The match is played on the highest polo ground in the world and is a unique experience for both players and spectators. The game is played in a traditional manner, with no protective gear worn by the players. The players ride their horses bareback and use traditional wooden mallets to hit the ball.
The festival also includes traditional music and dance performances, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region. Visitors can also explore the local handicraft markets, which offer a variety of handmade products, including carpets, shawls, and embroidered fabrics.
Accessibility:
Shandur Pass is located in a remote area of Gilgit-Baltistan and is only accessible by road. The road from Chitral to Shandur Pass is open from April to November, while the road from Gilgit is open from June to October. Visitors to the festival can either drive to the pass themselves or hire a jeep or bus from Chitral or Gilgit.
Conclusion:
The Shandur Polo Festival is a unique and fascinating event that showcases the traditional sport of polo and the rich cultural heritage of the Gilgit-Baltistan region. The festival attracts visitors from all over the world and is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in sports and culture. The festival is a celebration of the resilience and determination of the people of the region, who have preserved their traditions and way of life despite the challenges of modern times.
