Celebrations &
Holidays
Once an important part of life, community celebrations are
giving way to ‘progress’ but some are still held in Gojal, either Ismaili
holidays or very old seasonal rituals.
In
February The first festival’ for the coming of spring. Houses are decorated and
there are public gatherings with food, music and dancing.
In the month of March the second festival is Taghum. Families celebrate privately when the first seeds are cast, offering rayery are preparing samn, a sweet delicacy made from fomented wheat flour.
Nouroz
In 21March the third festival is Nouroz (New day) a Shia
and Ismaili festival celebrating the succession of the prophet’s son in –low
Ali. In Gojal this is a spring festival too; villagers visit one another and
there may be music and dancing.
In the month of 4th July the fourth festival is
Chinir, the first wheat harvest. Farmers may celebrate privately, as at first
sowing, and there are some community celebrations too.
Taqt Nashini (Prince Karim Aga
Khan)
In month
of 11th July the fifth occasion is Taqt Nashini day. Present Aga Khan
assumed leadership of the Ismaili community. In Gojal this may include parades,
games, music dancing and fireworks on the mountain- side.
Eid- Milad-un –
Nu-Nab
EId
–Milad-un- Nabi, the prophet of God Mohammed ‘s birthda.
Saligra
Muberak
In the
month of 18 November First Prince Karim Aga Khan visit to Gojal in
1987.celebrated in Gojal only. Festivities are similar to Taqt
Nashini.
Brithday,
of Prince Karim Aga Khan
Prince Karim Aga Khan ‘s birthday. Celebrated by Ismailis with gatherings and speeches.
