Hunza, a land known for its deep-rooted traditions and strong community life, once again came alive with the celebration of Thumsling, the oldest and most meaningful festival of the region. Observed every year on the longest night of December, Thumsling marks a turning point in the harsh winter season, symbolizing the gradual return of light after darkness. This year, like every year, the festival was celebrated with great enthusiasm across villages of Hunza, where people of all ages participated with joy, devotion, and a strong sense of belonging. Despite the cold winter night, the warmth of togetherness, fire, and tradition filled the valley.
Celebration on the Longest Night of December
Thumsling is celebrated on December 21, the longest and darkest night of the year. As the sun sets early and temperatures drop, people prepare for a night that holds deep cultural and symbolic meaning. Bonfires are lit in open spaces, homes are cleaned, and families gather to mark the end of the darkest phase of winter. The lighting of fire is central to the celebration, representing hope, renewal, and the victory of light over darkness. The night becomes lively with conversations, laughter, and anticipation, as the community collectively welcomes a brighter cycle ahead.
The Legend of Shiribadat
At the heart of Thumsling lies a powerful legend deeply embedded in Hunza’s oral history. According to local folklore, the festival commemorates the death of a legendary 14th-century cannibal king named Shiribadat. He is remembered as an extremely cruel ruler who terrorized the people, committing acts of great brutality. Over time, the people grew tired of his cruelty and decided to end his reign. It is said that a group of brothers discovered his secret weakness, that his heart was made of butter. Using this knowledge, they trapped him in a pit filled with firewood and burned him alive. This act brought an end to oppression and restored peace to the region. Thumsling is observed every year in memory of this event, symbolizing liberation from tyranny and the triumph of unity and courage.
Talino Ritual and the Symbolism of Fire
In Hunza, the ritual associated with Thumsling is locally known as Talino. On this occasion, people gather in open fields where a symbolic structure or figure is set on fire. As the flames rise, people dance around the fire with great energy and happiness. This ritual reenacts the historical memory of defeating cruelty and celebrates freedom and justice. The dancing, music, and communal participation make Talino one of the most visually striking and emotionally powerful traditions of Hunza, strengthening collective identity and cultural pride.
Traditional Foods and Winter Special Dishes
Food plays a central role in Thumsling celebrations, reflecting Hunza’s age-old winter survival culture. Special traditional dishes are prepared in almost every household. Diram fitti, made from wheat flour and butter, is one of the most important foods of the festival. Jewd dirm is another cherished dish, prepared with care and shared generously among family members and guests. Alongside these, dried fruits, apricot-based foods, and local dairy products are served, reminding people of the value of stored harvests during long winters. Sharing food during Thumsling is seen as a blessing and a sign of hospitality and social harmony.
Visiting Relatives and Sharing Happiness
One of the most beautiful aspects of Thumsling is the tradition of visiting relatives and neighbors. Families open their homes to guests, elders are visited for prayers and blessings, and long-lost connections are renewed. For many people living outside Hunza, Thumsling becomes a reason to return home and reconnect with their roots. The exchange of food, stories, and good wishes strengthens social bonds and ensures that no one feels alone during the winter season. The festival transforms the coldest night of the year into one filled with warmth, care, and shared happiness.
A Living Cultural Heritage of Hunza
Thumsling is more than just a festival; it is a living expression of Hunza’s history, resilience, and collective memory. In a rapidly changing world, the people of Hunza continue to preserve this ancient tradition with pride and sincerity. Through fire, food, dance, and storytelling, Thumsling passes cultural knowledge from one generation to the next. This year’s celebration once again proved that Thumsling remains a powerful symbol of hope, unity, and cultural continuity, reminding everyone that even in the darkest times, light and togetherness always find a way.