Garam Chashma, Feb 2, 2026: The centuries-old Phatak Festival was celebrated with great enthusiasm and religious reverence on February 1, as it is every year, in Garam Chashma, Lower Chitral.
The festival commemorates the spiritual retreat of the great religious figure Pir Nasir Khusro (RA).
According to tradition, Pir Nasir Khusro spent 40 days in meditation at a cave in Garam Chashma. Upon completing this spiritual retreat, he marked the occasion by placing a small amount of flour (Phatak) in the cave. The white flour symbolizes the journey from darkness to light. The Phatak Festival is celebrated annually to honor this spiritual milestone.
The festival featured a variety of cultural activities, including a tug-of-war, competition, where teams showcased exceptional skill and enthusiasm. Participants appreciated the peaceful and spiritual atmosphere of the event.
The Phatak Festival was organized by the Pasban Darvesh Group. The festival not only represents a religious and spiritual tradition but also reflects the rich culture, harmony, and brotherhood of Chitral, passed down through generations.
— Muhammad Younus Yamagani
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