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Showing posts from November, 2025

Naino and the Royal Play Fight – A Childhood Tale from Old Hunza

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A Glimpse Into Old Hunza’s Childhood Games Long ago, in the rugged beauty of Hunza Valley, life moved to the rhythm of traditions, seasons, and stories that passed from one generation to another. During those times, Hunza followed a kingship system. The king would often ride out with his two bodyguards—one walking on each side—to observe village matters, meet the people, and watch cultural sports. Among the most popular traditional games of the region was Bulla , the local form of hockey. Children and adults alike played it using handmade wooden sticks called finchi , while a small wooden ball called tharii was smacked across open ground. Sometimes Bulla was even played on horseback, raising clouds of dust and laughter in the air. Within this colourful life lived my grandmother, a fearless, lively, and mischievous girl—lovingly called Naino . The Day of the Royal Play One sunny afternoon, all the children of my grandmother’s neighbourhood—boys and girls together—gathered for th...

Naino and the Hidden Meat – A Childhood Tale from Old Hunza

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A true story from my grandmother's childhood, retold for young readers. 🌾 Life in Old Hunza Long ago, in the beautiful valleys of Hunza , where tall mountains touch the sky and rivers sparkle under the sun, people lived a very simple life. Food was scarce, and every grain was precious. Those were times when there were no markets full of food like we have today. People depended on what they grew in their fields . Wheat was their main crop — it was harvested once a year and stored carefully for the whole season. My grandmother used to say that they had a special word for wheat in their language — “Dishaki.” It meant the main food grain that everyone relied on for making bread. There was also a special measuring bowl used to make one big piece of bread for men called “tie bread.” It was thick and heavy, meant to give them energy for hard fieldwork. Women often ate thinner bread made from wheat, maize, or barley because they saved the better portions for their families. Li...

The Echo of Wisdom – The Story of Ustad Chocho from Hunza

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Introduction: The Land of Legends and Courage In the breathtaking mountains of Gilgit-Baltistan , where snow-capped peaks meet timeless traditions, lies the ancient village of Hussainabad, Hunza . This valley is not only known for its beauty and bravery but also for the wisdom and courage of its people. Among the many stories passed down through generations, one tale stands out — the true story of Ustad Chocho , a wise musician whose intelligence and courage helped protect his land during a time of invasion. This story dates back to the era when the Sikh army attempted to capture the northern regions , unaware of the bravery and cleverness of the people of Hunza. It is a tale of quick thinking, unity, and the power of wisdom — a story that still echoes through the rocks of a place now known as Sikh Maras Zoong , meaning “the place where Sikhs were killed.” The Time of the Signal Fires In ancient Hunza, long before the age of phones or modern communication, people relied on a fasc...