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Culture

Written by Administrator

Monday, 14 December 2009 15:13

Culture Asmost of the population live in villages, that is why Bannu derives itscultural traditions from these villages. Afew decades earlier, there  used to be only one mosque in everyvillage. All the people of that village would pray there. Thatreflected a sense of unity. However, now a days there are many mosquesin every village. Almost all the large families have constructed aseparate mosque for themselves. Disputes and clashes are the mainreason behind this. AVillage also has a “Choke” or “Hujra” Choke is considered to be thecentral place of a village. It is the place where people of villagegather  and exchange their views about certain issues. People use togather in Choke for a mere pastime .Choke is considered to be theproperty of all the people of village. “Hujra” normally consists of aroom or two. Guests are stayed in “Hujras”. Pardha System thereis a strict purdha system in bannu. “Purdha” is a tradition of keepingadult women hidden from the eyes of those men who are not familymembers of those women. Generally,women here, do not leave their homes, to go to markets, but those whogo out to markets for shopping etc wear special veils called “burqa”.Burqa is used in many areas of subcontinent, especially in N.W.F.P andAfghanistan. Bannu is one of those areas where “Shuttle-cock “Burqa” isused. Marriage ceremony isalso full of customs and traditions. Generally no huge dowry is givento the bride by the parents. Barat from the house of groom goes to thehouse of bride. Barat party brings bride to groom's house. Here theceremony of “Nikah” takes place. On the next day a banquet is offeredby the groom to his relatives and friends. Thereis a special tradition which is found nowhere except Bannu. Thistradition is called “Zarreen”. Zareen means “Youth”. Because all thefriends and relatives of groom who are young aged take part in it.“Zarreen” ceremony takes place in “Chowk Bazaar” (the most famous andimportant place of Bannu city). Here the young fellows dance to thetunes of “Shehnai” and “dhol” (drums and flute). The groom offers themsweets while the zareen garland him. EidThere are two Eids in Islam. One is Eid-ul-fitr and the other is Eid-ulAzha. Eid-ul-Fitr is the most entertaining event in Bannu. After 30days of Ramazan (month of fasting) the event of Eid-ul-Fitr takesplace. The last day of fasting that is the day before Eid is called“Shashpeay” which is called “Chand Raat” in Urdu. On Shashpeay adisplay of fire-works take place. Eid is celebrated for three days. Onthe the three days of Eid and Shashpeay people from all over the nearby villages come to Bannu. Also,a lot number of people from neighboringWaziristan and Domel areas visit the city. Chowk Bazar is used to bethe center of all this hustle and bustle. People enjoy this event verymuch and wait for it all year long. The roads are so much overcrowdewith people on Eid days that not only large vehicles but also a cyclecan hardly find a way through these crowded roads. New dresses andshoes are prepared for Eid. Young men of Wazir tribes are in strangebut pleasant get up on Eid days. They add to the colour of this event.People enjoy this event and wait for it all year long. HospitalityMore than 90% of the population is pushtoon and as all of us know thatpushtoons are famous for their great sense of hospitality. The peoplein Bannu are pleased to have guests.. They entertain them with greatspirit. They believe in the fact that a guest is a blessing  fromAllah, The people of Bannu respect their friends very much even theysacrifice themselves for them.