culture and heritage

Mansehra District comprises of different groups of peoples from diverse ethnic backgrounds. These include Gujar, Swati, Tanoli, Syed and Awan. Locally cultivated wheat, maize and rice are generally used in food by the people of the area. Curry, called as ‘salan’ is the essential constituent of meals which is eaten with rice or wheat bread (rotti). People of the area wear traditional dress consisting of shalwar (loose trouser), kameez (long shirt) and turban. Women add chaddar or dopata in addition to the shalwar and kameez.

Mansehra district is inhabited by a large number of tribes as well as khels. The people are as mixed as the soil. Among them some are the oldest inhabitants while the other arrived here in different periods of time. The first arrival of the latter group is dated back to the medieval times. Some invaded this area and settled here while some others came to seek shelter.

In ancient times these people practiced Buddhism but later on they shifted to Hinduism when it gained power after a long while. In the medieval period the Muslims introduced Islam to them. The inhabitants of Mansehra speak Hindko, Pashto, Gojri and Urdu languages. Hindko, Pashto and Gojri are the local languages while Urdu being the national language is spoken and understood throughout the district.

Simple Shalwar Qamiz is used by both male females as their dress. Besides in winter chadar is use by women while men uses cap to warm heads. In Mansehra people belonging to different cultures lives independently. And enjoys their freedom rights. Women use Burkha to cover themselves and also Niqab or Perda to cover face.