Winter sports festival starts at G-B’s Khalti Lake

GILGIT: Traditional music, accompanied by captivating cultural performances, illuminated the cold air as the second edition of the eagerly awaited Seven-day Winter Fest 2024 was inaugurated at the frozen Khalti Lake in Ghizer District on Monday.

Officials, tourists, and a large number of local residents participated in the inaugural ceremony, creating a vibrant atmosphere. Athletes, artists, local elders, and youth graced the occasion with cultural dances set to traditional music. The ceremony also featured local artists showcasing their talents, and everyone relished a friendly match between the ice hockey teams.

According to the Gilgit-Baltistan Department of Tourism, Sports, and Culture, the sports event will encompass competitions in ice hockey, ice football, ice skating, and various other local games. Teams from different districts are set to participate in the ice hockey matches, contributing to the festival’s competitive spirit. The picturesque Khalti Lake currently offers a breathtaking backdrop, with two ice rinks prepared for hosting the ice hockey matches and other winter sports events.

In addition to the sports activities, the festival caters to attendees’ interests with cultural and local food stalls, allowing visitors to savor the traditional cuisine of the region. The musical night on the second day is slated to showcase the diverse culture of Gilgit-Baltistan.

The shifting weather patterns disrupted the original plan of the GB Tourism Department for a national-level winter sports event in the region. Initially planned for Skardu, the event was later relocated to Ghulkin Hunza, then to Naltar, and ultimately to Khalti Ghizer due to the absence of frozen rinks caused by rising temperatures this year. Khalti Lake, despite not being fully frozen, adds its own unique charm with the flowing river.

On the final day, a seminar on climate change titled “Eyes Wide Open: Exploring Conservation Challenges” will provide comprehensive insights into climate change, particularly its impact on Gilgit Baltistan. This approach integrates science and art, aiming to foster a collective commitment to addressing climate change challenges and cultivating a sense of responsibility towards the environment.

The Seven Day Winter Festival, aimed at promoting winter tourism in the Gilgit-Baltistan region, has successfully garnered both national and international attention in recent years. The festival is set to conclude on January 24, with awards distributed to successful ice hockey players.

A similar event Karakoram Winterlude Season 6 is also underway at the skating ground of Moorkhun Gojal,Hunza. The Winterlude is organized by SCARF. SCARF has completed 5 seasons of Karakoram Winterlude.

The event was initially planned to be held at the historical ice hockey arena in Altit Hunza; however, it has now been moved to the new venue in Moorkhun due to lack of snowfall.

Separately as part of the Winter Fest 2024, an environmental awareness campaign ‘Resonance of a Melting World’ was held in Golmat Gojal Hunza. Participants of the awareness campaign crafted various sculptures from snow and sand, incorporating imaginative models related to environmental awareness.

The primary objective of this awareness campaign was to enlighten the public about the impacts of climate change and the imminent threats that lie ahead. Partners involved in the environmental awareness initiative emphasized the need for conducting such programs to maximize awareness among the people of Gilgit-Baltistan.