Kech cultural festival celebrates Balochistan’s resilient spirit in Turbat, Pakistan

October 16, 2025

The Kech Cultural Festival, held from October 1-3, 2025, in Turbat, Pakistan, transformed the normally quiet Kech Museum into a vibrant hub of cultural activity in a region typically known for conflict and human rights concerns. This community-led event drew nearly 80,000 visitors over three days, featuring sessions on politics, education, social media, and reviving traditional Balochi games and dances. The festival showcased approximately 100 stalls selling books, art, traditional food, and crafts, with visitors spending over PKR 6.

Who is affected

Local residents of Turbat and the Kech district
Visitors from nearby regions including Panjgur and Gwadar
Women entrepreneurs and artisans who ran stalls
Younger generations (Gen Z and Gen Alpha)
Local artists, writers, and cultural practitioners
Families and children who traveled to participate
Local businesses that benefited from visitor spending

What action is being taken

Community members are organizing and leading cultural festivals independent of government sponsorship
Women are participating equally with men in public cultural events
Local artisans are showcasing and selling traditional crafts including embroidered Balochi dresses
Organizers are reviving traditional Balochi games and dances like Esh't Chooki and Maalid
Community leaders are holding sessions on media literacy despite internet restrictions in the region
Local entrepreneurs are setting up business stalls to sell cultural items and food

Why it matters

The festival offers a counter-narrative to the typical news coverage of Turbat that focuses on violence and security concerns
It demonstrates community resilience and unity in a region often associated with conflict
The event showcases women's capabilities and independence in a traditionally patriarchal society
The festival helps reconnect younger generations with their cultural heritage and traditions
It creates economic opportunities for local artisans and entrepreneurs
The celebration brings together political rivals in harmony, sending a message of peace
The event promotes media literacy in an area affected by internet shutdowns and censorship

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: Global Voices