Weekend Getaways: Break from Routine
A weekend getaway offers the opportunity to escape daily routines, explore new destinations, and refresh your spirit. Whether it’s a brief road trip, a visit to a nearby city, or a tranquil nature retreat, the essence is taking a break, having fun, and recharging before the workweek resumes.
Cultural Homogeneity in Margalla Region
The Margalla region in Islamabad is home to ancient villages like Rumli, each with a rich cultural heritage and unique oral traditions, forming a remarkable aspect of life in this region.
Village Origins and Historical Significance
Rumli, in a resource-rich valley, is about 2.5 kilometers north of Quaid-i-Azam University, accessible via the university road. Its history is mysterious, and early inhabitants are said to be Chodhries, Rajas, and Sayeds. Villagers claim its existence for centuries, with some suggesting it’s over six centuries old. A nearby Sikh crematorium, locally called “chaanrian/chaahnrian,” adds to its historical charm.
The Rumal/Rumbal/Rumbail Shrine and the “Gard”
Local resident Chodhry Fayaz explains that a revered saint, Rumal/Rumbal/Rumbail, is believed to have given his name to the primary graveyard in Rumli Village. This saint was renowned for nurturing trees through a cave with milk. The remnants of this cave still exist and have become the village’s most famous shrine. Situated at the village entrance, the “gard” area includes the cave shrine, a spring, a mosque, a peepul tree (Sacred Fig or Ficus Religiosa), and the village’s main graveyard. The gard holds special significance in the lives of Rumli’s people, serving as a gathering spot where sitting under the peepul tree is a favorite pastime. Akhtar Shah also noted that in the past, both British and Sikh armies would stop at the gard.
Rumli Village and Its Water Sources
In the Margalla region, Rumli Village sits beside the “Rumli Stream,” primarily fueled by springs and a seasonal water channel called “gagare ala nala” or “gagar.”
A Stream Fed by Springs
The network of springs serves as the primary water source for the stream, with the gagar flowing only during the rainy season. The junction of the gagar and the stream takes place at the gard in Rumli.
Numerous Abundant Springs
Rumli Village is fortunate to boast numerous springs, each with a unique name like “palai ni jalyari” and “bagy ala chashma.” Throughout its history, these springs have served as the primary drinking water source for the village, although recent additions include water pumps and wells.
Rumli Village and Its Academic Neighbors
Rumli village’s fame in Pakistan results from its close proximity to Quaid-i-Azam University, where students frequently venture to the nearby Kamlari village. The villages within the Rumli Stream Valley each possess their unique identities and oral traditions, deserving acknowledgment by their individual names.
