The Shandur Polo Festival, Pakistan’s most prestigious polo event, is set to take place from the 7th to the 9th of July, 2024. The festival takes place at the Shandur Polo Ground amidst the scenic surroundings of the Shandur Pass in Upper Chitral. Every year, during the first weeks of July, the Shandur Festival brings in residents from all regions of Pakistan.
Interestingly, due to extremely low temperatures in the North, the Shandur top is only accessible during peak summer; therefore, the festival is held every year in July. The Shandur Polo Ground is located 3,700 meters above sea level and is known as the world’s highest polo ground. It is engulfed in the majestic Hindukush mountain range, making the location even more attractive to tourists. However, even during summers, the path to the polo ground is tedious. Nevertheless, tourists and locals take on the challenge yearly to keep the festival’s spirit alive.
Cultural Importance of the Shandur Polo Festival
The festival also provides an opportunity for tourists to explore the culture of Pakistan and is a remarkable representation of Pakistan’s rich heritage.
Some of the most famous performances which attract tourists are the folk music performances and dances. Additionally, the festival’s cultural significance is imminent, from the cuisine served to the diverse attendance from all districts, such as Skardu, Hunza, and Nagar. Tourists are introduced to delicacies of all sorts such as Chapshoro, Mamtu, Dawdo, and Burutzshapik.
Apart from its cultural significance, the festival allows locals to sell their handicrafts to the audience, which is imperative in boosting the local economy during summer.
Escaping the intense heat waves that have taken over most of Pakistan, the festival provides a much-needed escape. Tourists are known for participating in activities such as trekking and fishing in the crystal clear Shandur Lake, which is frozen almost year-round. The festival provides a unique opportunity for the attendees to witness the natural beauty of Pakistan.
The History of Polo in the Region
Historically, the game of polo has held a special place in the hearts of Gilgit and Chitral’s residents. Since 1936, this festival has been held annually between Chitral, Gilgit, Skardu, Hunza, and Nadar’s polo players.
The word “polo” originates in Balti and translates to “ball.” The game itself is significant in the area’s history. Each team has six members, and due to its rough and brutal nature, injuries are quite common for said players. It tests their resilience and bravery as they step into the beautiful polo ground, surrounded by thousands of spectators, curious and cheering for their teams.
The anticipation of the festival can be explained by its preparations, which begin months in advance. Express Tribune reported that the Chief Secretary of Khyber-Paktunkhwa instructed the National Highway Authority to repair roads leading to the ground for the ease of tourists and prepare in advance for any natural emergencies such as landslides.
Rules of the Game
Over three days, teams of Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral, along with those of other regions within Pakistan, compete with one another. The style of the game is “freestyle polo.” This makes the festival interesting and difficult for the players as the entire ground is at their disposal, and they must dodge every obstacle put in their path.
The selection process for the polo teams is also difficult. A preliminary round is held for all players who wish to participate in Gilgit and Chitral. The best teams are then sent to the festival at Shandur Polo Ground.
This form of thrilling and daring freestyle polo leads the audience to hold on to their seats as the teams play without helmets, and unlike polo matches played abroad, the horses are not bandaged either. No strict rules are followed; the winning player’s horsemanship and strategy are key. The locals believe that this is polo in its “purest” form, because of which it has often been known as the “Game of Kings.” Each game lasts for one hour and is divided into two halves. During intervals, the locals captivate the audience with musical performances.
The audience can even take part in various activities such as paragliding. These events turn the festival into a nail-biting phenomenon.
This cultural and sporting event is long awaited by all, as tourism brings in money, and locals rejoice in the festivities. It is a tradition that has been kept alive for almost a century.
For all lovers of this festival, it is not merely a game of polo but a way to preserve and share the rich culture of the Northern districts. In other words, it is a poetic experience for both, locals and tourists. The festival proudly celebrates the cultural diversity that exists in the region through dance, music, and food. Its importance goes beyond competition or the laurels of victory because it helps keep the game’s spirit alive.
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Zara Zahid Khan is a law student at the Lahore University of Management Sciences. She is a freelance writer who enjoys writing about legal and political issues.