Kalash Valley, like most of the
other hills and valleys, also lies in one of the administrative provinces of
Pakistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It is a beautiful valley of Chitral District in
the northern side of Pakistan. Furthermore, the famous ranges of Hindu Kush
Mountains encircle this valley in an enchanting manner. The total area covered
by this valley is 456.58 kilo meters square with the height of 1128 meters.
Kalash Valley is the land of
three most prominent valleys i.e. Bumburet, Rumbur, and Biriu. From all
these three valleys, Bumburet is the most well-known and tremendous valley
which comes in the way of Ayun (village of Chitral District where Union Council
is present) to the Kunar Valley (a famous valley of Pakistan and Afghanistan).
The Rumber Valley is located on the north side of Bumburet. Biriu Valley is
situated on the south of Bumburet valley in the side regions of Kunar Valley.
At about 3000 meters, a pass is located which connects the Biriu and the
Bumburet.
Kalash people, the residents of
Kalash Valley, have a specific and particular traditions, custom, living style,
language, religion, and beliefs. They are often known as “Waigali”. Most of the
Kalash people are the representatives of some ethnic minority. Some people
follow ancient Hinduism. Majority of the inhabitants are polytheist i.e. follow
and worship multiple Gods. Their culture and traditions are completely opposite
to the Islam and Pakistan. Special festivals and occasions are help to offer
sacrifices to their Gods by these Kalash people. The most widely spoken
language of this region is “Kalasha mun”. Many of the Waigalis have now
converted their religion to Islam.
In Chitral, most of the women of
Kalash Valley are known as “The Black Kafirs” because they usually wear long
black robes embellished with the shells of sea snails. The three main jamborees
of Kalash Valley are Chilam Joshi, Uchau, and Caumus. Chilam Joshi is
celebrated in the middle of May; Uchau is in the autumn, and the festival which
is celebrated in the middle of winter is Caumus.
The followers of the customary
Kalash religion are referred as “animism”. Kalash people are called as
polytheist because the follow many deities simultaneously. People offer
sacrifices of goats, horses, sheep, and cows to their Gods time to time in the
temples and shrines which are located throughout the valley. A vineyard is also
situated there because they consider vine a special and sacred drink.
The weather in summers is usually
mild and appealing with the temperature range of about 23° to 27 °C. While, in
winters; the weather is very cold with the temperature of approximately 1° to
2° C.
Numerous lakes are present in
Kalash Valley which presents an amazing and breath taking view and attracts the
tourist not only on National but also on International level. Bahuk, Awazak,and
Shawal are the most notable lakes of this valley.
