The colorful three-day Jashan-e-Hazara festival, based on a 500-year-old tradition concluded in Haripur with great enthusiasm as thousands of people participated in various cultural and sporting events. On the final day of the festival, thrilling bull race competitions were held at the Khad Factory ground, attracting a large number of participants and spectators from Haripur and other districts. The exciting races received huge applause from the audience. 

The festival was attended by several political and social personalities, including Speaker of the Provincial Assembly Babar Saleem Swati and MPA Akbar Ayub Khan adding more charm to the celebrations. Various traditional competitions such as kabaddi, stone lifting, Mongli wrestling and bodybuilding were also organized during the event. Athletes displayed impressive performances and entertained the spectators throughout the festival. 

Meanwhile, paragliding competitions were held along the scenic shores of Khanpur Dam in the presence of former provincial minister Yousaf Ayub Khan and other notable personalities. Boat racing events at Khanpur Dam also attracted large crowds, providing visitors with exciting recreational activities alongside the region’s rich cultural traditions. The grand festival remained a center of attraction for visitors from Haripur and across the country, playing an important role in promoting and preserving the cultural heritage of the Hazara region.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)