Uchal festival concludes in Kalash valley with festivities

CHITRAL: Uchal, annual Kalash festival, concluded with traditional rituals and cultural performances in Bamburet.

The festival, rooted in centuries-old traditions, is celebrated as a thanksgiving for the ripening of fruits, the harvest season as well as the return of milk, cheese and ghee from the high-altitude summer pastures.

The Kalash men and women, dressed in vibrant traditional attire, linked arms and danced to the beat of drums while singing the festival’s traditional songs. The performances in Bamburet, one of the three Kalash valleys, captivated both local and foreign tourists who had traveled in large numbers to witness the unique event.

Director General of the Kalash Valleys Development Authority (KVDA) Minhasddin said that special arrangements had been made for tourists and the local community. He added that the authority is working to address the issues faced by the valleys and will take further steps in consultation with the Kalash community.

Strict security measures were in place throughout the festival. Additional traffic police were deployed along the Bamburet road to ensure smooth flow of traffic and to facilitate the movement of both locals and visitors.

While tourists thoroughly enjoyed the cultural vibrancy of the festival, many expressed concerns over the poor condition of roads and the lack of basic facilities in the valley.

The residents of Kalash valley emphasized that Uchal is a sacred religious festival for their community and appealed to tourists to not only enjoy the celebrations but also to respect their unique culture and traditions.