21/12/2025
HAPPY MAYFUNG!
The fire festival of Gilgit-Baltistan
Every year on 21 December, the people of Baltistan celebrate Mayfung also known as May Fang or Fung. This ancient winter festival marks the Balti New Year Losar, and the end of the longest night of the year.
Deeply rooted in centuries old Bon and Tibetan traditions, Mayfung is famous for the ritual of playing with fire. Bonfires and flaming logs are lit to dispel misfortune and welcome good fortune. The celebrations are filled with traditional music, dancing, local games such as Ko Polo, and festive food, reflecting the strength, unity, and rich cultural heritage of the Balti people.
Winter in Baltistan is not just a season, it is a living celebration of history, culture, and community.
Thanks Karar Haideri
VP Alpine Club of Pakistan.
May I speculate that the tradition began on crossroads of Caucas and Persian mountains. They were the first people to tame fire and play with it.
Their trade routes brought these traditions to our lands and settled after inter marriages.
Jifrot (Baloch Iran), Harrapa and Moenjoodaru were their first urban centres. They also settled in the entire Pamir, Hindu Kush, Korakoram and Himalayian Ranges.
People in Kalash Pakistan are their purest descendents .
Part of my research on the Skardu Cross.
