ISLAMABAD: A four-day Chilam Josh Spring Festival begins in full swing in the three lush green Kalash valleys comprising Rumbur, Bumburate, and Birir in the Lower Chitral district on Tuesday.
According to a press release issued by Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), the major function of the event was held in Bumburate Valley, where people from Bumburate and Birir also arranged their own functions in the locality. During the gatherings, people from Kalash, while women dressed up in their traditional dresses, prayed for good fortune and the future.
As usual, a significant number of domestic and foreign tourists rushed to the event to enjoy the unique traditions of the Kalash people. They also appreciated the arrangements made by KPCTA for assistance and facilitation of visitors.
Chilam Josh, a Unique Kalash Festival
During the festival, the people of Kalash people including men, women, and children used to go to their fields along with their goats and sheep and enjoy the day. Moreover, in their traditional attire (particularly girls and women), they all sing and dance in groups to celebrate the festival. The elderly Kalash women and children distributed milk and yogurt from goats and sheep among the children for drinking and eating.
The festival is the most significant event for the people of Kalash as it signifies the end of the winter season in the lush green mountainous areas, and they celebrate the arrival of spring and summer seasons.
Dancing and Singing in the Festival
During the festival, they dance to traditional music and drumbeats, where young girls and boys sing and dance in groups in the community halls and outside in the fields. One of the main features of the festival is the selection of life partners for unmarried girls, and event after the end of the festival, the loving couples tying the knot to become a future life partner.
Speaking on the significance of the festival Director General of KPCTA highlighted the importance of cultural and religious values of the Kalash community in the valley and added the centuries-old culture has successfully managed to fascinate and attract visitors and tourists from all over the world.
He urged everyone to make efforts for the promotion and betterment of the region and Kalash culture. He further said that festivals have also the purpose of introducing the world to the serene valleys, lush green mountains, and centuries-old culture and tradition of the region.
