Kalash spring festival to begin on 14th

By Our Correspondent

CHITRAL: The Chilim Jusht festival, which heralds the arrival of spring, will commence from May 14 in the three Kalash valleys of Bumburate, Birir and Rumbur.

Of the three Kalash festivals, Chilim Jusht, which lasts for four days, is considered to have prime importance.

Young girls and boys sing and dance in groups in the community halls. Houses are decorated and the Kalash people wear new clothes that are specifically prepared for the occasion.

Kalash men and women are seen shopping for the festival in the Chitral bazaars while in the valleys they are busy in preparing their traditional dresses.

A Kalash community leader Tash Khan told this correspondent that the Kalash girls spent lavishly on purchase of clothes and ornaments.

He said the rising prices of essential commodities had affected the purchasing power of the Kalash community. However, he said a common girl spent up to Rs25,000 on this occasion while the girls from affluent families spent more.

He said the Kalash people used the occasion for ostentation and even went beyond their financial capacity and showed off their wealth by spending more and more on their women.

Employed in a government office, Mr Khan said he had almost spent his monthly salary for the festival.

A main characteristic of the festival is selection of life partner for unmarried boys and girls, who make announcement of their choice on this occasion. According to Kalash sources, more than 60 boys and girls will be announcing their choices during the festival.

Tourists have started arriving here to watch the colourful festival of the Kalash people having unique culture and way of life.