CHITRAL: The much-anticipated Shandur Festival will start today in scenic Chitral valley, drawing tourists, adventure seekers, and culture lovers from all over the country and abroad.
The festival will be held at the world’s highest polo ground—located at an altitude of 12,500 feet above sea level—this unique festival is a celebration of traditional sports, local culture, and regional unity.All necessary arrangements for the three-day event have been finalised by the district administration in collaboration with the tourism and security departments. The high-altitude plains of Shandur have transformed into a lively hub of activity as polo players from Chitral and Gilgit arrived well in advance to prepare for the fiercely competitive matches that are a hallmark of the festival. The Chitral vs. Gilgit polo rivalry dates back nearly a century and remains one of the most thrilling aspects of the celebration.
Aside from polo, the festival also features adrenaline-pumping paragliding and parachuting displays, attracting outdoor enthusiasts and adding a sense of adventure to the festivities. These performances offer visitors a chance to witness the region’s rugged beauty from the skies.
Cultural showcases form another key attraction, with vibrant performances of Chitrali, Balti, and Kalash dances. Each dance style reflects the unique heritage of the area’s ethnic communities and adds rich diversity to the event. Local music, traditional attire, and handcrafted goods are also being presented, allowing visitors a deeper look into the mountain cultures of northern Pakistan.
The Shandur Festival was first organised in 1936 by British political agent Major Evelyn Hey Cobb, who helped popularise polo among local communities. Since then, it has grown into a national event, supported by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government and the Pakistan Army. It now serves as a major tourism highlight and an important symbol of harmony between the people of Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral.
With scenic mountain views, thrilling sports, and captivating cultural expressions, the Shandur Festival continues to promote peace, unity, and the rich traditions of Pakistan’s northern regions.
Read also: Chitral, GB officials plan Shandur Polo festival 2025
