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As the cold grip of winter loosens, a quiet transformation begins in the villages of Gojal, Hunza. The season of snow-laden rooftops and silent valleys is ending, and the Wakhi people welcome spring with a festival as old as their mountains—Kitðit.
In the lower Gojal region, this festival is held in early February, while the upper villages wait until the very last frost fades. But no matter when it is celebrated, the essence of kitðit remains the same—a cleansing of both home and spirit, a farewell to winter, and an embrace of the warmer days ahead.
A Fresh Start
A Fresh Start
The name kitðit translates to "cleaning the smoke from the ceilings," a nod to an ancient Wakhi tradition. Throughout the harsh winter, the interiors of traditional Wakhi homes—built with wooden beams and clay—gather layers of soot from wood-fired kitchens. When kitðit arrives, it's time to sweep out the old.
Men and women take to their homes with Poupshing, a special herb used to wipe down the ceilings. Grass brooms, handmade from green and gray stalks, sweep away dust, making way for the fresh breath of spring.
Inside these warm homes, an elder sprinkles wheat flour on each family member’s shoulders, a simple yet profound gesture believed to bring health, prosperity, and longevity.
Artemisia maritima (locally called Poupshing in Wakhi)
A Feast of Tradition
A Feast of Tradition
No festival is complete without food, and kitðit is no exception. Families prepare time-honored dishes that carry the warmth of generations:
Shulbuth – a hearty mix of flour, meat, butter, and apricot oil.
X̌ista – soft, golden bread infused with fresh milk and apricot oil.
Samen X̌eč – the ceremonial Wakhi bread, served only on special occasions.
Food is more than sustenance here—it’s a bridge between past and future, shared among elders, children, and neighbors as a reminder that community is the heartbeat of Wakhi life.
Gathering, Games, and Prayers
Gathering, Games, and Prayers
At the village Jamatkhana (prayer hall), families bring offerings of food, sharing in a communal meal that is followed by prayers for a year of peace, prosperity, and abundant harvests.
Outside, the air fills with laughter as boys play Taksuri, a game of agility and skill, while young girls compete in Puth, a playful test of balance and precision using a woolen ball.
A Festival of Renewal
A Festival of Renewal
Kitðit is more than a celebration—it’s a ritual of renewal, a promise to let go of the past and step into the future with hope. It’s about honoring the land, strengthening social ties, and passing down traditions that make the Wakhi people who they are.
As winter fades and the valleys bloom again, kitðit reminds us that every season—no matter how long or harsh—must eventually give way to light.
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By Shupun
Febuary 02, 2025
By Shupun
Shupun celebrates and preserves local languages and cultures through vibrant, free educational resources.
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