People from Balochistan are rightfully known for their generous, brave, and fearless nature. Also, an important part of the Baloch culture is treating guests with the utmost respect and placing them in high esteem. As dull and rugged as it might seem from the outside, the cultural settings of Balochistan, in reality, include a vibrant mix and a whole stratum of festivities and celebrations, including melodious music and exceptional dance moves. Owing to such and other hidden gems, Jashan-e-Kalat is set to offer a whole new experience for visitors and the residents of Balochistan with melody, dance, games, food, colours and several other delightful treats, all at one place.
Let’s explore more details of this unique event named after a Hindu emperor!
About Jashan-e-Kalat
Kalat festival is named after a district in Balochistan, previously known as Qalat. The district had historically existed as a liberated state before the independence of Pakistan and was ruled by Hindu Kings. Later on, it was merged with Balochistan after the freedom war.
Spread over an area of approximately 6,650 km2, Kalat is still known as Kalat-e-Sewa, named after a Hindu emperor. Presently, the district is populated with a majority of Muslim-Balochs, and only 2% of the total population comprises Hindu residents.
Owing to the region’s mystic legends and rich history, Jashan-e-Kalat or Kalat Festival is celebrated to honour the distinctive culture of this state. Regardless of the fact that the festival is smaller than “Sibbi Mela”, it brings the same excitement, thrill, and joy to the residents of Balochistan. Here are some reasons why Kalat Festival gives everyone a deeper insight into the fascinating Baloch culture!
Significance of Kalat Festival in Creating Harmony
Kalat Festival has a unique significance, and currently, it has gained a lot of attention from Balochistan’s Provincial Government. This event is now of national importance since it presents a much-needed opportunity to gather people from around the world and Pakistan to connect in a peaceful and explore the hidden treasures of Balochistan and its centuries-old culture.
The Balochi festival also has the potential to empower the feelings of brotherhood, compassion, and love through vibrant colours, soulful music, and other such festivities. Along with leaving a lasting impression on the public’s mind, Kalat Festival also contributes highly towards highlighting the fact that every human, regardless of all other factors, wants the same things in life: peace, security, a tune to sing and dance to, and a delicious serving of food. If you’re planning to broaden your horizons by attending this event, here are some important details as to where the Kalat Festival will take place this year and what to expect from it.
Location, Organiser, and Dates for the Festival
The Kalat Festival is celebrated every year in October, arranged by some local organisers. However, this year, the event will undergo a few new changes to keep up with the high spirits of this festival. This time around, the event is being executed by the Government of Balochistan under the supervision of District Commissioner Shahak Baloch. Emphasising on the event’s importance and prominence, the DC said, “Jashan-e-Kalat will be celebrated with full zeal, and all preparations are done, accordingly.” Revealing some more details of the festival, he further added, “Chief Minister Balochistan Jam Kamal will inaugurate the celebrations.”
The event will last for about seven days – starting from 12th October and ending on 18th October. Just like every year, the event will take place in Khaliqabad/Mangochar – a city in Kalat district.
Activities and Attractions at Kalat Festival
The 2019 edition of Jashan-e-Kalat promises a bundle of fun for families and people belonging to any age group. The Kalat festival is also a gateway for getting to know the Baloch and its derivative cultures from a magnified view. Here are some of the activities, games, and performances that can be enjoyed by visitors:
- Circus
- Cricket and Football Tournament
- Rifle Shooting Competition
- Cultural Show
- Cattle Show
- Wrestling Contest
- Declamation Contest
- Horse-riding and Camel-riding
- Musical Night
How to Get to Kalat Festival?
As mentioned earlier, Kalat Festival will take place in Khaliqabad and reaching there from any part of the country is quite easy. If you’re travelling by road, it is only around 30 minutes’ drive from the starting point of Kalat district, situated along Regional Cooperation for Development (RDC) Highway. However, it is only 1 hour from Mastung, Balochistan. On the other hand, if you’re taking a flight, you’ll have to land in Quetta and then take a drive of two hours on the RDC Highway to get to Khaliqabad.
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