GILGIT: The ancient winter festival of Mayfung lit up Baltistan on Sunday as locals and officials carried flaming logs during a night of bonfires and cultural performances. The celebration marks the end of the year’s longest night and welcomes the New Year in the region.
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Known locally as “Losar,” meaning New Year, the festival began on the winter solstice night of December 21. Central rituals include lighting bonfires, carrying fire sticks, and releasing lanterns, symbolizing joy, happiness, and the dispelling of misfortune.
“The basic aim was to celebrate the end of the longest night of winter and welcome the New Year,” said Mehdi Ali, a local resident. Elders in Baltistan trace the tradition back to pre-Islamic times, with rituals believed to ward off hardships.
Baltistan lights up for centuries-old Mayfung festival, marking the end of winter and the start of the Balti New Year with fire, torches, and traditional dances.#MayfungFestival #BaltistanCulture #BaltiNewYear #WinterCelebration #FireAndTradition #CulturalHeritage #FestiveVibes… pic.twitter.com/U6R3kzBvwf
— Pakistan TV (@PakTVGlobal) December 21, 2025
🔥 جشنِ مے فنگ — بلتستان کی قدیم شناخت
بلتستان کی سرزمین صرف بلند و بالا پہاڑوں اور جھیلوں کی وجہ سے ہی مشہور نہیں بلکہ یہاں کی قدیم روایات اور تہوار بھی ہماری شناخت کا حصہ ہیں۔ انہی روایتی تہواروں میں ایک نہایت اہم اور تاریخی تہوار جشنِ مے فنگ ہے، جو ہر سال 21 دسمبر کی رات منایا… pic.twitter.com/iVo34yh1fH— Gilgit Baltistan Tourism. (@GBTourism_) December 20, 2025
The main event took place at Skardu’s Municipal Stadium, drawing crowds of elders and youth in traditional winter attire. Fireworks, sword dances, local music, and food stalls added to the festive atmosphere. Candles lit on rooftops and dozens of lanterns released into the sky created a spectacular scene.
Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Secretary Abrar Ahmed Mirza, Tourism Secretary Zameer Abbas, Baltistan Commissioner Kamal Khan, and other officials attended the celebrations. Organisers highlighted the festival’s role in preserving cultural identity and promoting community harmony.
Mayfung festivities were also held in Shigar, Ghanche, and Kharmang districts. Local myths link the festival to the death of a cannibal king, though interpretations of its origins vary.
Snowfall in upper Gilgit-Baltistan coincided with the festival, lowering temperatures and making roads slippery in remote areas. The meteorological office forecast additional rain and snow through Monday, but locals said the cold weather did little to dampen spirits.