Mulberries and the tradition of Maroch Tick

Mulberries hold a special place in the heart of the GB communities, carrying deep historical significance. Every mountain person cherishes childhood memories connected to these luscious fruits. Before the introduction of cherries, mulberries were the first to ripen, typically in May/June. The ancient connection between Mulberries and the Harvest season has endured, and to this day, GBians joyfully celebrates the Maroch Tick festival, signifying the start of the mulberry harvest.

In times gone by, when food was scarce in Hunza and other mountain regions until the 1980s, mulberries, along with other seasonal fruits, were vital sustenance for the people. Their longevity and strength can be attributed, in part, to the nourishing power of these fruits. Imagine the sight of hardworking individuals relishing mulberries or other seasonal delights during their midday meals, fueling them for their daily endeavors.

The memories of childhood in Hunza are colored with the sweetness of mulberries, and it's an unforgettable moment when, after 15 years, you finally savor the taste of fresh mulberries once again. The enduring tradition of celebrating mulberries as a symbol of abundance and harvest continues to bind the community together, fostering a strong sense of unity and appreciation for the bountiful gifts of nature.

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The Legend of Seko Saparo

Narrated By Late Dadu Khan in July 2014, in Maiun. I grew up listening to folk stories from my grandparents and elder people in my family, and I was always fascinated by those stories. Among the many tales they told, the legend of Seko Saparo is one such tale you won’t find in any book. In the summer of 2014, during my vacation, I had the pleasure of spending time with my grandfather’s youngest brother, Late Dadu Khan. I would often sit with him and ask him to tell me stories, and he would gladly share them. He served in the army and worked as a teacher in the village. He was in his late seventies when he narrated the story of Seko Saparo. The story unfolds as: Saparo was a resident of Seko, one of the oldest settlements of lower Hunza, currently known as Hussainabad. Saparo lived with his wife Makhagal in Seko. Makhagal was from Chalt, a nearby village in Nagar. He was a Daruoch (means hunter) and spent his summers in Maiun Bar, hunting for their livelihood. One day, he to...

Berckuzh/Chap-schuro

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