Bajaur Festival features various sports competitions

KHAR: The two-day Bajaur Festival kicked off at the Bajaur Sports Complex in Khar on Saturday.

Jointly organised by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority (KPCTA), Tourism Wing of Merged Districts, and the district administration, the festival showcases various sports competitions such as cycling races, kabaddi, tug-of-war, and martial arts.

Similarly, magic shows, poetry recital sessions, local music, traditional Attanr dance, comedy skits, and a play area for children are also part of the gala besides food and handicraft stalls.

Bajaur Scouts 172 Wing and Bajaur Police are also collaborating to make the festival a success.

On the first day, the festival featured tableaus by schoolchildren, kabaddi, martial art competitions, comedy skits, poetry sessions, and traditional music performances while a musical evening was held.

On the second day, the festival would host the final rounds of the cycling race and martial art competitions along with cultural dance performances, local band performances, comedy shows, and poetry readings by local poets.

The event is aimed at promoting sports and healthy activities in the merged districts of the province to boost tourism, engage youth in constructive activities, and convey a positive message about Bajaur to the world. The KPCTA along with the Tourism Wing of Merged Districts has previously organised similar events in other merged districts, including Khyber, Orakzai, Wana, Tank, and Waziristan.

These initiatives have successfully promoted sports and tourism in the region.