CHITRAL: The Kalash community began celebrating their traditional Uchal Festival on Wednesday in the scenic valleys of Bamburet and Rumbur, with festivities set to conclude on Friday ( August 22). The festival is held each year to express gratitude for the harvest of wheat and barley.
The Kalash Valleys Development Authority (KVDA) has made extensive arrangements to ensure that the community can perform their rituals with ease while also facilitating the large number of tourists visiting the valleys for the occasion. KVDA Director General Minhasuddin told the media that, following a consultative meeting with Kalash elders ahead of the festival, the authority devised a comprehensive plan to support both the local community and incoming visitors. It may be noted that the Uchal Festival is celebrated only in Bamburet and Rumbur valleys, whereas the people of Birir valley mark a similar event known as the “Pohor Festival.” A significant number of tourists have already arrived in Chitral to witness the colorful cultural celebrations, traditional dances, and rituals of the Kalash people.