Celebrations
& Holidays
(Religious students are performing cultural dance)
Once
an important part of life, community celebrations are giving way to
‘progress’ but some are still held in Gojal, either Ismaili holidays or
very old seasonal rituals.
Kitdit
In
February The first festival’ for the coming of spring. Houses are decorated
and there are public gatherings with food, music and dancing.
Taghum
In the month of March the second festival is Taghum. Families celebrate privately when the first seeds are cast, offering rayery are preparing samn, a sweet delicacy made from fomented wheat flour.
Nouroz
In
21March the third festival is Nouroz (New day) a Shia and Ismaili festival
celebrating the succession of the prophet’s son in –low Ali. In Gojal this
is a spring festival too; villagers visit one another and there may be music
and dancing.
Chinir
In
the month of 4th July the fourth festival is Chinir, the first
wheat harvest. Farmers may celebrate privately, as at first sowing, and there
are some community celebrations too.
In
month of 11th July the fifth occasion is Taqt Nashini day. Present
Aga Khan assumed leadership of the Ismaili community. In Gojal this may
include parades, games, music dancing and fireworks on the mountain- side.
Eid-
Milad-un – Nu-Nab
EId –Milad-un-
Nabi, the prophet of God Mohammed ‘s birthday.
Saligra
Muberak
In the
month of 18 November First Prince Karim Aga Khan visit to Gojal in
1987.celebrated in Gojal only. Festivities are similar to Taqt Nashini.
Brithday,
of Prince Karim Aga Khan
Prince Karim Aga Khan ‘s birthday. Celebrated by Ismailis with gatherings and speeches.
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