CHITRAL : Ismaili Muslim community of Garam Chashma in Chitral commemorated Pathak festival, to remember Ismaili Dai (Scholar) Syedna Pir Nasir Khusraw According to the traditions of Ismaili Muslims, Pathak marks the successful conclusion of Pir Nasir Khusraw’s famous solitary meditation without food for 40 days. Chila is derived from the persian word Chehl which means 40. In this practice a mendicant remains seated in solitary cell called Chila-Khana for 40 days showing total dedication to God and seek higher spiritual will power.
Source: There is no mountain bigger than Khusraw: Ismailis in Chitral Celebrate Phatak Festival
The Dardistan Times 