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| Pakistan Gift Store Home»Fairs and Festivals in Pakistan
» Shandur Polo Festival |
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Shandur Polo Festival |
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There are some festivals and fairs in Pakistan which are pretty unique in characteristic and the Shandur Polo Festival is one of them. Though it is a festival which is arranged round a polo tournament but there are certain characteristics which are quintessential to this Polo festival only. The remote wind-swept terrain of the Shandur Pass is located on the lofty border between Gilgit and Chitral. This rugged terrain and remote landscape vibrates with life once a year as the dramatic venue of the Shandur Polo Festival. This Shandur Polo Festival is held during the first week of July.
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The polo field of Shandur where this Polo Festival is held has the rare honor of being the highest polo field of the world. People all round the globe flock to experience the trills of the unique Polo Festival at Shandur and also regale in the picturesque landscape, rolling pastures, azure blue lakes and the lofty mountain which forms a spectacular backdrop for this polo tournament. The tournament takes place between the polo giants of Chitral and Gilgit.
The gala events of Shandur Polo Festival celebrate the royal game of Polo. Shandur Polo festival is considered as one of the toughest Polo tournament to take place in the world which is marked by intense passion of the local residents for the game of Polo. The high drama and the fast pace of the game often leads to injuries of the players but it still can’t deter these polo enthusiasts from participating and enjoying the game.
This Shandur Polo Festival at Shandur in Pakistan has a historic origin. According to this tradition the game goes back many centuries when the local Mehtars, Mirs and Rajas were royal patrons of polo. At that time this game of polo and it was played, not only for as a sport but for celebratory and commemorative occasions. The Mehtar rulers of Chitral would send an invitation to his relatives the Rajas of Ghizar, Yasin and Ishkuman and word would spread far down the valleys to Punial Gilgit and Chilas where the challenge would be taken up. However these days Polo is no longer the “game of Kings” and common masses enjoy and participate in the game of Polo in Shandur with full enthusiasm.
There are many Polo festivals held round the world but the breathtaking landscape, the local colour, the presence of international celebrities but above all the passion with which the game is played by the age-old rivals, make the Shandur Polo Festival in Pakistan a unique and fantastic occasion. A large tented village and bazaar is set up with thousands of people camping out in Shandur. So the next time you visit Pakistan do get a glimpse of the famous Shandur Polo festival and don't forget to buy some great handicraft gifts from the plethora of Pakistan gift stores.
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