GB Untold

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, a...

Long ago, in the rugged mountains of Gilgit-Baltistan, there ruled a powerful Sheen king named  Shari Badat . He was no ordinary king — his presence commanded fear, and his word was law. The people dared not disobey him, no matter how unreasonable his demands were. Every day, Shari Badat’s subjects were required to bring him a lamb for his meal. It didn’t matter how rich or poor a family was; everyone had to take their turn. The people followed this rule without question — after all, their king’s wrath was far more terrifying than any hardship they faced. A Mother's Sacrifice In a small village, there lived a poor woman who had only one sheep. That sheep was her only source of hope. One day, the sheep gave birth to a fragile lamb, but tragedy followed — the mother sheep died soon after. With no way to feed the newborn, the woman did something extraordinary — she nursed the lamb herself, feeding it with her own milk. Time passed, and the lamb grew strong under her care. But soon, th...

  In history, Nawruz emerges as a tale of resilience and joy. Originating over three millennia ago in ancient Persia, Nawruz, meaning "New Day," paints a picture of fresh beginnings and vibrant celebrations. With its roots deep in the soil of Zoroastrianism, Nawruz blossoms with the arrival of spring, embracing the earth's renewal and marking the start of a new year in the Persian calendar.  Across epochs and empires, Nawruz embarked on a journey, crossing borders and transcending time to spread its warmth and cheer to distant lands. Nestled amidst the breathtaking peaks of the Karakoram Range, the valleys of Hunza became a new canvas for Nawruz's colorful traditions, blending with local customs and infusing the region with an air of festivity and unity. In the captivating valleys of Hunza, a timeless celebration unfolds with the arrival of Nawruz. Here, among the rugged peaks and lush meadows, traditions are as woven into daily life as threads in a cherished tapestry...

Here, today I’m sharing some glimpses of the past and present of the adventurous and most popular galloping horse sport of Gilgit Baltistan — BUULA comonly known as polo. It may give an impression that this great adventurous sport, Polo, belongs to the British or some developed country since they have some of the greatest players. But no, it never belonged to them; it’s our own sport — a game of the highlanders of Central Asia. A game played by great rulers like Alexander the Great during his rule in Persia, the Persian rulers, and the Delhi Sultans. Historians say its origin dates back to the 6th century BC, but it may be much older than that. Initially, it was designed to train troops for war against enemies, but later people adopted it as a sport of leisure, and today it is an Olympic sport. In Gilgit-Baltistan, it has been the most favorite sport of the royal families and the general public of different regions prior to the amalgamation of Gilgit-Baltistan with Pakistan when there ...

  Shopan/Joqeṣ̌ – A Traditional Dish from Gilgit-Baltistan Shopan/joqeṣ̌ is a traditional dish from Gilgit-Baltistan, particularly prepared on the occasion of  Nasalo/Nos  (a celebration marking the death of the cannibal king, Shari Badat). In Scotland, a similar dish called  Haggis  is considered their national dish. Ingredients Required: Stomach of sheep/goat or  secum  of cow/ox Minced meat (fatty meat gives a richer taste) for filling – 500g to 1kg (some people prepare it with buckwheat flour) Salt to taste Crushed red chili Coriander Mint Water (for boiling) 3 medium-sized onions 2 tablespoons of cooking oil Two chopsticks and thread (to seal the stomach/secum) How to Make the Filling: Take a bowl and add the minced meat. Add salt, crushed red chili, chopped onions, mint, and coriander. Mix the ingredients well. How to Fill: Clean the stomach or secum carefully and thoroughly. To remove any unpleasant smell, marinate it with lemon juice or vinegar...

  Gittey is a traditional dish we prepare during Nasalo and preserve to enjoy on chilly winter days, especially during Baw-no. Gittey (Git: singular) resembles sausages in both appearance and taste, made using the intestines of a sacrificed animal during the Nasalo/Nos festival. Ingredients Required: Intestines of cow/sheep/ox/goat 500g wheat flour, buckwheat flour, or minced meat for filling Salt to taste Crushed red chili Coriander powder Mint powder Water for boiling 3 medium-sized onions 2 tablespoons cooking oil How to Make the Filling: In a bowl, combine wheat flour, buckwheat flour, or minced meat with salt, crushed red pepper, and 2 chopped onions. Mix gently. For a meat mixture: a. Heat a pan and add two tablespoons of cooking oil. b. Add the meat mixture and cook for 15 minutes. c. Allow the mixture to cool before filling the intestines. How to Fill the Intestines: Clean the intestines very carefully and thoroughly. Fill the mixture into the intestines. Be cautious to avo...

  The death celebration of  the cannibal king , Shari Badat, generally known as Noce/Nasalo by Shina speakers of Gilgit and Lower Hunza, and as Tamashaling/Thumasaling by the Burusho of Hunza, Ghizer and Nagar valley is one of the most important festivals celebrated in Gilgit-Baltistan. The celebration begins early in the morning on December 21st when every household heads to a designated spot, usually a barren field, carrying flambeaus made of alpine firewood. Each household contributes their burning sticks, which are then combined to form a large bonfire, symbolizing the day when Shari Badat was burned by the brave villagers. As more villagers arrive, local musicians begin playing melodious and unique tunes, and joyful dancing starts around the fire, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere. The warmth of the flames, coupled with the lively music and dancing, makes the villagers forget the chilly and freezing winter night, allowing them to immerse themselves in the celebration with...