Bamyan Silk Road festival was launched in 2009 by a young and dynamic team of Bamyan Ecotourism Program (The Aga Khan Foundation) and with close collaboration of Bamyan Provincial Government aimed at restoring tourism industry, promoting local culture, sports, products (food, handicrafts, arts-work), folk music and creating team-work & volunteerism spirits by involving all members of the society. After six successful years of celebrating the festival, we shall put a glance at how far we have gone and entertain if or not we have attained enough what was aimed.

I want to start with a feedback/ criticism I was propounded by the then colleague/ friend at first Tourism Investor’s Conference after I had delivered my presentation on Bamyan tourism representing Bamyan, “You should have mentioned the department of Information & Culture having led & organized tourism development initiatives than crediting the Aga Khan Foundation”. Long story, short summary, I defended well enough saying I can’t be dictated at forums likewise. It was common that the provincial government and local bodies were encouraged to participate and get credit for festivals (Nowroz & Silk Road) whereas, one could measure their part in preparation, funding, human labor etc. Sure enough the intention was solely to building the capcity of local institutions, but how far have we gone to date??? Let’s elaborate in smart way:

1. Bamyan Tourism Association consisting of government and non-government organization members, has been established with approved statutues

2. Improved infrastrcuture in transport (Bamyan Airport with regular flights), increased investment in accommodation with quality services, Bamyan – Band-e-Amir road, Bamyan bazaar – Foladi Valley road, Bamyan bazaar electricity, Bamyan Parks (New City & Bamyan Peace Park)

3. Public awareness & interests in sports (bicycle riding events for instance) and cultural events (Hazaragi short-film shows for instance) and cultural exhibitions etc. are prominent enough

4. Peaceful environment with less security threats

These are few of the many highlights Bamyan offering grounds for tourism development and initiatives only if a diversified and committed team streamlines these resources for making tourism development events not a political agenda. Let’s see what needs to be improved:

1. Bamyan University has tourism department the head of which is, chairing Bamyan Tourism Association with wonderful academic background in relevant field; however, not the univesity resources have been intelligently enforced to invoke teamwork, event management spirits in university students and staff. The ideal action is to include festival management part of tourism department curriculum only then funds can be raised/ allocated from government or NGOs etc.

2. Bamyan has a diversified and active civil society with lists of social, political, cultural and public awareness campaigns/ events, but not a single member was invited for ideas and responsibilities of the festival. The Right to Ride and Short-Film shows have been trend-setting examples which recieved greater media exposure if not globally but nationally than this year’s Silk Road Festival. BTA needs to identify potential individuals & resources whose contribution can further the success of festival and other tourism developmetn events.

3. Development of infrastructure turns into reality when the development extends to a new level and continues its cycle. Bamyan has hotels, local restaurants, transport services; therefore, invitation to other provinces’ music groups, artists, investors and international tourists should have been sent, which would have helped these businesses get some income from the event. The critics may defend saying people need to be encouraged to participate voluntairly, but I say tourism is known as “welcome/ hospitality industry” and invitation norm is practiced in all other countries.

4. The Aga Khan Foundation initiated Silk Road festival, but has been decreasing its financial and technical support; hence, today BTA and festival organizers keep complaining budget scarcity. This does not satisfy the audience & leave them with a question, what funds-raising efforts were made and which support organizaitons (national/ international) were proposed for festival sponsorship?

5. Talking about the festival venue, one wonders why the festival is moved from its original venue (Buddha & Baba Mazari Football stadium) to fancy hotels? Is festival budget intended for benefit of individuals and owners of these luxurious hotels? They have other means to promote their businesses and receive even more profit. If the organizers complain of security issue, practically, security check-in needs to be strengthened with regular monitoring of the festival venues. We are a nation of making false excuses than finding solutions – we need to change our mind-set!

6. The festival contents; thankfully, another province “DaiKundi” participated to perform a local game, but what new content was introduced. Live music is being replaced by lipsing (not of the festival nature & original concept), not a senior Hazaragi artist/ singer “Ustad Safdar Tavokali/ Mir Chaman/ Ali Daryab standard” was invited. Are we being protective not to sound ethnic/ nationalist? This leaves me dubious and critical – people deserved better! Bamyan’s image in terms of gender equity is prominent with girls participation in ski, bicycle riding etc. but their participation in festival is restrained to announcement and taking care of exhibition stalls. The festival organizers are intelligent and liberal enough finding ways to increase their participation. Again, are we being protective???

7. Not to sound impersonal/ judgmental, the festival has become legacy of certain invididuals who entertain themselves with special music events, friends reunion and get together which is beyond the intent of festival and tourism development of Bamyan. What is the price of those journalists, guests and families from Kabul or even other countries who only plan to visit Bamyan (center of Hazarajat) coinciding with the festival? How much is our contribution to the business of local restaurants, handicraft producers and enjoyment of Bamyan and Hazaras of the entire Hazarajat? Does anyone know if Hazaras from around the world plan to visit Hazarajat on the occasion of Silk Road festival??? I know a couple of friends for instance!

Suffice it to say, we need to re-evaluate the strengths and potentials for greater causes. For example, plans are already being discussed to hold meeting/ event in the celebration of Bamyan being the Cultural Center of SAARC (South Asian Associaiton for Regional Cooperation) and other international events. I hope BTA and government undertakes intelligent – not conservative or defensive – actions to prepare for greater success Bamyan and Hazarajat deserves.

Jawad Jahid