CHITRAL: On Friday, the vibrant opening ceremony of the three-day Shandoor Polo Festival took place. Situated at an altitude of 12,500 feet in the Chitral district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, the festival takes place at the world’s highest polo ground in the scenic Shandoor Valley.
It offers a unique blend of thrilling sports, cultural performances, and natural beauty. The Shandoor Festival attracts local and international visitors alike, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere in the region.
The festival offers a platform for local artisans to showcase their exquisite handicrafts, including intricately woven textiles, handmade jewelry, and woodwork. This not only promotes local craftsmanship but also offers visitors a chance to take home unique souvenirs. In addition, numerous food stalls present traditional Pakistani cuisine, allowing visitors to indulge in the authentic flavors of the region.
The traditional polo matches held on the Shandoor Polo Ground are the highlight of the Shandoor Festival. The thrilling matches between local teams, adorned in vibrant attire, mesmerize the spectators with their horsemanship and skill.
During the opening ceremony, the polo teams paraded past while children from various schools recited the national anthem. Local artists further embellished the event with captivating performances of Kalash, Chitral, and Khattak dances and songs.
The festival attracts a significant influx of tourists, who gather in the area to partake in the festivities. Senior civil and military officials, local administration representatives, and a large number of local residents attend the event.
The three-day festival features exciting polo matches as well as captivating firework displays and campfires for participants to relish.
The festival is further enhanced by the most awaited match between Gilgit A and Chitral A, scheduled to be played on July 9th. This highly anticipated polo match attracts a large crowd who eagerly awaits the clash between these two renowned teams. The match promises to be a display of exceptional horsemanship, fierce competition, and strategic maneuvers, captivating the audience and leaving a lasting impression.
