SOUTH WAZIRISTAN: A two-day recreational fair, marking Eidul Fitr, concluded on Wednesday in Spin village of Wana tehsil here.

The event was an important initiative to preserve and promote the culture, sports, and traditions of the local tribes. The fair featured traditional Waziri dances and tug-of-war competitions, while the soulful voices of tribal elders, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of the drumming, mesmerised the visitors.

The fair saw active participation from local government representatives, tribal elders, and a large number of young people from the region. The event offered a unique platform to showcase the region’s cultural pride and traditional values. Tribal elders told Dawn that the Waziri traditional dance was an essential part of their culture. They said such festivals helped preserve their cultural heritage, offering an opportunity to reconnect with their ancestral traditions and preserve them for future generations.

The elders said traditional games added vibrancy and life to the event, conveyed a message of love, brotherhood, and peace. They emphasised that such events provided a platform to the tribes to express themselves.

MNA Zubair Khan Wazir of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf said that the event was not just culturally important but aimed at showcasing the traditions and games of South Waziristan. He said the main purpose of organising such events was to highlight the peaceful nature of the people of South Waziristan and to keep alive their traditions. He said the people of the region were peace-loving and that events like these formed an integral part of their identity.

Saifur Rehman Wazir, chairman of neighbourhood council, and Niazuddin Wazir, chairman of village council, noted that such events not only helped preserve the culture but also fostered unity and harmony among the local community members. They emphasised that such activities were essential to keep the tribal culture and traditions alive.

The traditional Waziri dance performances captivated the audience. In addition, the tug-of-war competitions added a unique touch to the event. These games were not only a display of physical strength but also a symbol of mutual cooperation and unity.

Both the elders and youth actively participated in these activities, showcasing not only their physical abilities but also highlighting the significance of these traditional games.

Published in Dawn, April 3rd, 2025