Chilam Joshi Festival: Kalash Valleys Alive with Cultural Splendor

News Desk 

Islamabad: On the second day of the four-day Chilam Joshi festival in the Kalash valleys of Bumburet, Birir, and Rumbur, festivities were in full swing, captivating tourists from various parts of the country.

Traditional events, such as the spirited dances of Kalash girls and boys to the rhythmic beats of traditional drums, drew a significant crowd, including visitors from around the globe.

The annual celebration showcased the vibrant culture of the Kalash people, adorned with a spectrum of colors and an underlying theme of joy. Amidst the festivities, prayers were offered to their deity for the safety of their livestock and crops.

Women bedecked themselves in traditional attire adorned with gold and silver jewelry, complemented by intricate headgear, while men donned the customary shalwar kameez paired with woolen waistcoats. Throughout the day, Kalash men and women engaged in spirited dances and melodic songs, forming circles to the rhythm of drumbeats.

Renowned worldwide, Kalashi festivals occur at various times throughout the year, each embodying the community’s rich traditions and cultural heritage. Prior to tending to their fields, locals invoked blessings for their agricultural endeavors by spreading milk as an offering to their deities.

On the second day, known as Cirik pi pi (Milk drinking and distribution day), villages adorned their goat stables with wildflowers and walnut leaves, hosting singing rituals and ceremonies as part of the festivities.