PESHAWAR
The aroma of sizzling BBQ, spicy mutton karahi and traditional chappli kabab filled the air across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as families and friends gathered to celebrate Eidul Azha with food, festivity and togetherness.
From the bustling streets of Peshawar to the scenic banks of Sardaryab Chatsadda and Tanda dam Kohat and serene Mahudhand lake Swat to Saiful Malook lake Mansehra, thousands of people spent the third day of Eid enjoying outdoor picnics, recreational visits at hilly stations and traditional meat parties that have become a cherished part of the province’s Eid culture.
Parks, picnic spots and recreational sites across Peshawar, Nowshera, Kohat, Mardan, Swat, Kaghan and Charsadda witnessed extraordinary crowds as families arrived carrying barbecue grills, cooking pots and picnic baskets, turning public spaces into lively centres of celebration.
Keeping alive the spirit of sacrifice and generosity associated with Eidul Azha, people exchanged meat dishes, distributed sacrificial meat among relatives and the poor, and visited loved ones to share Eid greetings and happiness.
“I came from Peshawar to deliver sacrificial meat to my sister according to our family traditions and Islamic teachings,” said Muhammad Arif, an academician and resident of Peshawar while talking to APP on Friday.
He said Eid gatherings strengthen family bonds and create feelings of love and brotherhood in society.
“Such joyful occasions come after a long time and bring warmth, sacrifice and unity among people,” he added.
Arif shared that he distributed meat among relatives and needy families before spending time with children at recreational spots in Peshawar.
“Helping poor and needy people doubles our Eid joy,” he said.
Historic parks including Shahi Bagh, Chacha Younis Park and Peshawar Zoo remained packed with visitors, especially children enjoying swings, rides and family outings.
At Sardaryab picnic point, families enjoyed riverside BBQ parties, colourful boat rides and fried fish while local singers entertained crowds with popular Pashto songs during the evening hours.
“The riverside views and colourful boats give me immense happiness during Eid holidays,” said 26-year-old Ehtisham Khan from Wapda Town Nowshera while talking to APP.
“Sardaryab is my favourite tourist place because it provides relief from the hot weather and creates beautiful Eid memories,” he said.
The brightly painted boats carrying tourists along the river remained one of the major attractions, with children eagerly waiting for their turn to ride across the water.
Similarly, Tanda Dam witnessed a heavy influx of tourists from Kohat, Hangu, Karak and Bannu districts, where visitors enjoyed swimming, cool breezes and traditional rice and meat dishes under the open sky.
“The atmosphere at Tanda Dam Kohat is refreshing and full of natural beauty,” said tourist Rehnan Khan. “People can truly relax and enjoy their Eid here.”
At Kund Park Nowshera, families gathered along the banks of the Indus River for daylong picnics, while children enjoyed free swings and festive activities arranged during the holidays.
Kund is a unique park where Mighty rivers Indus and Kabul meets.
Ahmad Shah, DPO Nowshera said effective security arrangements and improved facilities at parks and tourist spots encouraged families to travel freely during Eid celebrations.
Apart from outdoor festivities, cinema houses and entertainment galas in major cities also attracted large crowds, adding further colour to the festive atmosphere.
Across the province, Eidul Azha celebrations reflected not only culinary traditions and recreation, but also the enduring values of generosity, hospitality and togetherness that define the spirit of the festival.
