The Kalash Valleys of Rumbur, Bumburet and Birir are within Chitral District of Pakistan and A 3 hours mountain ride from the Chitral City. The road to Kalash is very adventuress, only a single ride can cross overside. The Kalash people are the only non-Muslims for hundreds of miles. They may be a little wary of strangers, but usually do welcome who wants to become acquainted with the Kalashi way of life. Many historians believe the Kalashis are descendants of the soldiers of Alexander the Great.
Chilam Joshi festival of Kalash valley is of three days. It starts at Rumbur valley and then move on to the other valleys i.e. Bhamboreet and Barir. In this festival Kalashi people welcome spring season and pray for safety of their fields & animals before leaving to their fields and for this purpose they spread milk on their gods.
As a tourist, this was a memorable and educational trip. The beauty of the Kalash valley has a great attraction to photographers also. Especially the traditional and colorful dresses of Kalashi Women are the best thing to capture. The Kalashis are loving and respectful people. After this trip, I will tell my friends to visit Kalash Valley at least once. We must preserve this civilization rather than turn a blind eye to it. Chilam Joshi Festival was also attended by visitors from various countries including Denmark, Switzerland and the UK they also participated in the festival. Students from universities across Pakistan also visited the valley to partake in Chilam Joshi. Many government officials were also there.
Tourists tried to participate in the traditional festivities but the police and army officials did not allow them to come close enough. Nonetheless, even with strict security arrangements, tribe’s people welcomed the attention they received from tourists.
People of Kalash valley love music and dance on the beat of drums. Women dance in circle on different songs. An interesting fact about Kalashi people is that they do not mourn on the deaths. They corpses are buried above the ground in wooden boxes instead of being buried in the ground.
Mohsin Ali Is A Professional Photographer, A Crazy Traveller & A Big Food Lover. Working For Kluchit As A Photographer And A Content Writer.
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