Kalash Festivals

Kalash valleys are located in the northern most district of Pakistan i.e. Chitral. The people inhabiting the valleys are Kalash and Kam, a primitive pagan tribe living in three valleys of Bumburaite, Birir and Ramboor, and commonly referred to as ‘Kafirs of Kalash’-a name given by the Muslims because the inhabitants are non-believers or pagan. The people of Kalash are thought to be the descendents of Alexander’s army, which makes them an ancient tribe as old as 2000 BC. Presently Kalash have about 3000 inhabitants. They speak a dialect, which is a mixture of Dardic and Sanskrit. Kalash people love music and dancing particularly on festive occasions. Following are some of the festivals celebrated by Kalash people during the year. These events have become a regular attraction for people here and abroad.
Chowmas or Chitirmass is celebrated between 18th to 21st December and marks the first winter snow fall and coming of the New Year. It is a weeklong festival. Men congregate in the hills, women in plains and sacrifice goats. People remain indoor, feasting, drinking and merry making until the elders, (who sit on hill tops watching the sun reach the horizon), declare the advent of the New Year. Thereafter, the people light torches and perform their commemorative dance and sacrifice goats.
Joshi or Chilimjusht is celebrated on 14th & 15th May and marks the coming of spring when women and girls pick the first flowers of the year, a yellow species called bechu. For a week before the festival, milk is collected and butter and cheese is made. On the day itself, people visit each other and exchange milk, milk products and flowers.
Utchal is a 2-day of celebration, which marks the harvest of wheat and barley. There is much singing, dancing and feasting on the occasion.
Phool is celebrated in September or October and marks the reaping of the grapes and walnut harvests. All these festivals are celebrated with traditional dances, music, singing of traditional songs and exchange of dishes. Weddings in Kalash are accompanied by big feasts with sacrificial offerings. Similarly there are funeral dances as well.