Pakistan’s first independent nomination ‘suri jagek’ was successfully adopted for inscription as Intangible Cultural Heritage ( ICH ) in need of urgent safeguarding at the ongoing 13th Session of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee being held in Mauritius, says a press release received here from High Commission for the Islamic Republic of Pakistan at Mauritius. ‘Suri Jagek’ (observing the sun) is a traditional meteorological and astronomical practice based on the observation of the sun, moon and stars in reference to the local topography. This practice plays a pivotal role in the Kalasha community as significant social events like festivals, feasts, rituals; animal husbandry and farming practices are governed by the position of the sun, moon and stars. It is predominantly carried out in the Hindukash range in local observatories called ‘Suri Jagaekein’ located in three Kalasha valley villages, Bamburet, Birir and Rumbur. It is also used to forecast weather and predict natural disasters. ‘Suri Jagek’ was a fast disappearing element of indigenous Kalasha Knowledge of nature and universe and therefore was proposed to be put on list of intangible cultural heritage in need of urgent safeguarding. This vital tradition will now be protected as part of shared human heritage of the entire world and will continue to serve its spiritual and utilitarian purposes. Earlier in 2015 in conjunction with other member states, Pakistan submitted ‘Falconry’ and ‘Nowrouz’ to UNESCO for inscription on the ‘Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Humanity’ as multinational nominations, which were approved by the Intergovernmental committee at its meeting held in Addis Ababa on 2 December, 2016. ‘Suri Jagek’ is Pakistan’s first ever independent nomination at this forum. Moreover Pakistan’s second country report on compliance and implementation of UNESCO’s Convention of 2003 was also successfully adopted during the ongoing session. Pakistan’s delegation at the 13th Session of UNESCO’S Intergovernmental Committee on Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage was Ied by of Mr.Zahid Ahmed khan Jatoi, Pakistan’s Acting High Commissioner in Mauritius. Other delegates included Mr. Naushad khakique, Section officer at National History and Literary Heritage Division, Islamabad,and Mr. Faisal Idris, Education and Cultural Attache at the High Commission for Pakistan,Mauritius. We wish to thank UNESCO’ Intergovernmental Committee on Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage, the Evolution Committee, UNESCO Secretariat and all Member States for supporting our nomination. We would also like to acknowledge the contributions of the officers of our Mission at UNESCO, Paris, the officers of National History and Literary Heritage Division Islamabad and the NGO THAAP in preparing our nomination in accordance with the criterion of UNESCO. Inscription of ‘Suri Jagek’ as an independence nomination of Pakistan is a great milestone towards ensuring better visibility of our rich folklore traditions and diverse cultural heritage. Adoption of this nomination and our second country report are also significant accomplishments for Pakistan and manifestation of its successful diplomacy at international fora. *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
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