Vibrant festivities mark Chilimjusht’s conclusion

CHITRAL: The spring festival of Chilimjusht, celebrated by the Kalash people living in the southern valleys of Chitral - Bamburet, Rumbur, and Birir - concluded on Friday after five days of vibrant festivities.

The grand finale of the festival took place at the central dance venue “Charso” in Bamburet, where traditional songs and dances continued in various groups late into the night.Earlier in the day, before reaching Charso, Kalash residents from different villages in the valley gathered in a nearby field and marched towards the venue. They were carrying freshly cut walnut branches, which they waved throughout the procession.

People from the other two Kalash valleys, Rumbur and Birir, also arrived in Bumburet to participate in the closing ceremony. In contrast to recent years, a large number of both domestic and international tourists flocked to the valley for the festival. As a result, hotels in the area reached their full capacity. Hundreds of foreign tourists arrived during the festivities, while local tourists from various cities across Pakistan also participated in significant numbers.

Visitors expressed concern over the poor condition of roads leading to the Kalash valleys, stating that improving the road infrastructure in these internationally renowned areas was essential for the development of tourism. The drumming, singing, and dancing at Charso will continue until morning, and during the final phase of the dance session, young men and women are expected to make promises of marriage. The festival not only marks the arrival of spring but also holds great religious significance, incorporating nearly all of the Kalash religious rituals.

Advisor to the Chief Minister on Sports and Culture, Zahid Chanzeb, remained present in the valleys during the festival and attended the concluding ceremony.The provincial government’s focal person for minority affairs, Wazir Zada , was also in attendance.

Speaking to local media at Charso, they said that promoting tourism in the Kalash valleys aims to boost economic activities and ultimately change the fate of the Kalash community.Zahid Chanzeb said that Rs180 million had been released to the Communication and Works Department for the repair and restoration of the road to Kalash valleys.