CHITRAL: The people of Garam Chashma are celebrating the traditional Pathak Festival here to mark the arrival of spring.
According to the traditions of Ismaili Muslims, Pathak marks the successful conclusion of Pir Nasir Khusraw’s 40 days of meditation (chilla).
Khusraw was a Fatimid era Ismaili mystic, poet and philosopher who was the first to preach Islam in Central Asia and Badakhshan in Afghanistan and Wakhan Corridor. Born in 1004, Khusraw wrote a number of books of poetry, but most notable was his travelogue Safarnama, written during seven years of travel across the Islamic world and arguably the most authoritative account of 11th century life in the Muslim Empire.
via Pathak Festival marks Khusraw’s meditation – The Express Tribune.
http://www.groundreport.com/Business/Pathak-Festival-celebrated-at-Garamchishma/2933753
http://www.dardistantimes.com/content/pathak36-festival-chitral-kicks21
Ismailimail 
We are always thankful to Nasir Khusraw, who made us Muslim and preached Islam throughout the Central Asia … thank you v.much.
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Thank you very much for giving coverage to the Pathak festival being celebrated in Garam Chashma, Chitral.
However, for the sake of general readers I want to clarify a few points:
The report has confused the Pathak of Pir Nasir Khisrow (celebrated on 01 Febraury) with that of Nowroz (Hamali Pathak, celebrated on 21 March).
The Pathak celebrated on 01 February is to commorate the happy ending of 40 days meditations of the great Ismaili Pir, Nasir Khisrow. And this Pathak is very specific to the people of Garam Chashma (Injigan), particularly to the Ismaili community.
While Nowroz in its essence is an international festival which is officially celebrated in different countries. Nowroz is celebrated on 21st March to on the arrival of the Spring.
It’s is also pertinent to mention that Nowroz is also celebrated with equal religious cum cultural zeals by the Ismaili community in Garam Chashma and across the globe.
Regards,
Nisar Ahmad Shah
Garam Chashma, Chitral
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