Sheena Dard Tribe Celebrates Culture at National Tribal Festival

The remote village of Chorwan in Gurez Valley came alive this week as the Ministry of Tribal Affairs hosted the National Tribal Festival. This two-day event, held against a backdrop of snow-covered peaks, offered the Sheena-speaking Dard community a platform to showcase their rich cultural heritage and the essential role they play in the region.

Nestled just a few kilometers from the Line of Control (LoC), Chorwan is characterized by its challenging terrain and significant geopolitical sensitivities. Despite these hardships, the Dard people welcomed visitors with warm hospitality, sharing their unique traditions through folk dances, storytelling, and traditional crafts.

Celebrating Tradition and Resilience

During the festival, attendees experienced the vibrant culture of the Sheena Dards. Women dressed in beautifully embroidered pherans and adorned with silver jewelry performed traditional circle dances. Meanwhile, elderly men recounted stories in the Sheena language, a tongue seldom heard outside the valley.

“This feels like a bridge between our forgotten past and an uncertain future,” remarked Abdul Wahid, a 52-year-old village elder, as he observed young Dard children reenacting tales from their folklore. This celebration was not just about entertainment; it symbolized a significant step towards the recognition of their cultural identity.

The presence of the Indian Army is a defining aspect of life in Chorwan. Due to the region’s inaccessibility, many Dard villagers work as porters, transporting essential supplies to military outposts. This relationship has fostered mutual trust, as soldiers rely on the Dards’ knowledge of the land, while villagers find security in the military’s protective presence.

“While we may not have large businesses, what we carry sustains both our families and the security of this land,” explained Mohammad Shafi, a local porter returning from a supply run.

Aiming for Global Recognition

The Dard community is not only a crucial support system for the military but also the guardians of valuable natural resources found in Gurez Valley. From wild honey to high-altitude medicinal herbs, their sustainable practices have long supported local livelihoods. However, with newfound attention from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, there is a collective ambition to take these products to a global market.

Discussions at the festival included the formation of beekeeping collectives and youth training programs aimed at building sustainable businesses. “Everyone asks us why we don’t sell it outside,” said Fatima Jan, a local honey producer. “We never had the money to reach beyond our borders.”

Ambition is palpable among the youth as well. Among the attendees was Jibran, an eighth-grade student who expressed his dreams of becoming a fighter pilot. “When those planes fly above the valley, I want to see my home from the sky,” he said, a testament to the aspirations that transcend geographical boundaries.

The festival attracted significant political figures, including Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who reiterated the government’s commitment to empower tribal communities through education and better infrastructure. He announced the initiation of skill development projects to support Gurez’s youth and enhance the region’s unique agricultural products.

Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and cultural preservation. “The Dards are not just a frontier community; they are the guardians of our heritage. Investing in them is investing in Kashmir’s soul,” he stated. Abdullah highlighted the urgent need to document the Sheena language and integrate it into school curriculums across northern Kashmir.

Through the National Tribal Festival, the Sheena Dard community demonstrated not only their commitment to preserving their culture but also their potential for contributing to the broader narrative of Gurez Valley. With increased recognition and support, they stand on the brink of a new chapter, one where their traditions and resources can thrive on a global stage.