Kalash Valleys, also known as Kalasha Valleys, are home to three different valleys named Rumbur, Bumburet, and Birir. Situated in one of the remotest regions on earth, at the foothills of the Hindukush mountain range, these scenic valleys are home to one of the liveliest yet unexplored communities in the country, the “Kalashas”. The culture and festivities of the people living here are in stark contrast to the ruggedness and barrenness of the mighty mountains surrounding the valleys. Kalashas celebrate three major festivals: Chilam Joshi, Uchaw, and Chawmos to mark the seasonal changes. Since it’s the season of Chawmos, which is also known as the Kalash Winter Festival, let’s get to know what this amazing cultural event is all about.
More About Chawmos – The Kalash Winter Festival
Following the traditions of their ancestors, the people of Kalash Valley celebrate the Kalash Winter Festival, which lasts for about two weeks, which starts from December 7 and ends on December 22. Out of the three seasonal festivals celebrated in the valleys of Kalash, it is considered the most important festival as it marks the end of the year’s harvest and fieldwork as well as the arrival of a brand-new year. It’s also the best time to visit Kalash Valleys. Observing age-old traditions, people of the region wear colourful clothes and organise different types of entertainment activities and religious rituals to live to the real spirit of the local culture.
What does Chawmos mean?
So, do you know why the winter festival of Kalash Valleys is known as Chawmos? The word comes from the Kalasha language, which means “Four Messages”. The people of Kalash valleys celebrate Chawmos as the remembrance of the past in which the elders of the community visit the families who have lost their loved ones. The Kalash Winter Festival has four parts. The first part features different types of ceremonial activities to eliminate the grief of the bereaved families, followed by the children’s festival that is observed for two days. In the third phase of the festival, animals are sacrificed for about three days in the honour of Mahandeo, the grand Kalash god. The final part involves the very colourful closing ceremony of the winter festival of Kalash Valleys, which is attended by hundreds of locals as well as tourists. The event also includes the engagement ceremonies of many young couples who tie the knots in Chilam Joshi festival (celebrated in the spring season) and the celebration of the new year.
History of the Valleys of Kalash
The Kalasha is considered one of the most ancient tribes in Pakistan. As of now, the two major hypotheses that have been developed about the origin of the tribe are Greek origin and Indo-Aryan origin. The Kalashas are also believed to be the last surviving animists in Central Asia.
Quick Fact: Animists are followers of animism; a religion that believes in a distinct spiritual essence of all the living creatures, places and objects.
Local Traditions and Seasonal Festivals of Kalash Valleys
The culture and religious calendar observed in the valleys of Kalash is mainly split into three seasons: spring, autumn and winter. As discussed above, these seasonal changes are marked by colourful festivals celebrated by the Kalashas according to the old pagan traditions. Like Chawmos (the winter festival), Chilam Joshi and Uchaw (the spring and autumn festivals) include the baking of special types of bread, sacrifices of animals, preparation of many traditional dishes, folk songs and dances.
As these festivities are a part of the ancient animist traditions, the concept of purity is given extreme significance during these seasonal festivals of Kalash Valleys. According to the local traditions, the process of purification is carried out in the form of different types of religious rituals including the incantation and encirclement of the subjects that need to be purified with the burning wands of juniper (an evergreen small bush that bears purple berries, mostly found in Euroasian regions).
How to Get to Kalash Valleys
The valley of Chitral, which is also one of the most famous winter destinations in Pakistan, serves as a starting point for reaching the Kalash Valleys. To reach any of the valleys of Kalash, you need to hire jeeps, which are commonly used as public transport in the region. Jeeps from Chitral leave for Kalash at 1 pm every day, depending on the weather conditions. These jeep rides can cost you around PKR 200 to 300 Rs per person for a one-way trip. Winter season is the best time to visit Kalash Valleys.
Places to Stay in Kalash Valleys
While looking for places to stay in Kalash Valleys, you will come across many guest houses and hotels including the very famous Kalash Galaxy and Kalash View hotels, with room charges starting from PKR 2000 to 3000 per night, These rates regularly go up and down depending on the season.
All these colourful occasions and festivities when combined with those incredible mountainous landscapes found in the northern regions make Pakistan a land of immense beauty. Furthermore, our country is home to many hidden tourist destinations, which everyone should try visiting at least once in their lifetime. So, let us know what you think about the natural beauty of Pakistan by writing to us at blog@zameen.com. We’re waiting to hear from you.
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