Spring festival Chilimjusht begins in Kalash valleys

CHITRAL: The celebrations of the spring festival Chilimjusht have started in the three Kalash valleys in the lower Chitral district.

The main function of the event was held in Rambur valley, where the Kalash people sprinkled milk on their deities and prayed for good fortune.

Attired in their traditional dresses, the women, children and men danced and sang together to celebrate the festival.

The elderly Kalash women and children distributed milks and yogurt of goats and sheep among the children for drinking and eating. The Kalash people, including men, women and children in groups along with their goats and sheep go to the fields and green pastures.

The Tourism Corporation Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has established a tent village in Bamburet valley for the stay of tourists.

A large number of foreign tourists have also turned up to enjoy the festivities.

A French woman tourist told reporters that whatever she had read about the history and culture of the Kalash people held true when she visited the valley.

Tourists from Germany, France, Japan and elsewhere in the world have arrived Kalash valley and are enjoying the festival.

Officials at the Tourist Information Centre in Chitral, are briefing the foreign tourists upon their arrival in the town.

The tourists are provided brochures, pamphlets, maps and other informative materials and guidelines about the local culture and traditions and the scenic attractions in the three Kalash valleys - Bamburet, Birir and Rambur.

Situated about 45 kilometres from Chitral town, the Kalasha people attract the world for their unique culture and religion.

The Tourism Corporation Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (TCKP) authorities have set up a tent village to facilitate the tourists in the scenic valleys.

Last year, the TCKP had established a tent village for the tourists. The facility attracted a large number of visitors to the festival.

Kalash people wear new dresses and prepare various dishes to welcome the spring.

The Kalash girls spent lavishly on purchase of clothes and ornaments for the event and the occasion is being used to show off their financial status.