Preparations for Kalash spring festival in full swing

PESHAWAR: Preparations for the upcoming Chilim Jusht or Joshi festival are in full swing as local people have launched a cleanliness drive.

Tourism Corporation Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (TCKP) authorities have planned to set up a tent village to facilitate the tourists during the event in the scenic Kalash valley in Chitral.
This year the local people are very enthusiastic and are impatiently waiting for the festival to celebrate it in a befitting manner. They have started a cleanliness campaign well before the commencement of the event.

The festival, which will kick off on May 14 at the three Kalash valleys of Bumburet, Birir and Rumbur, marks the arrival of summer season and provides an opportunity to the visitors to witness the lifestyle of the Kalash people.

The people of Kalash celebrate the festival while dancing to the traditional music and drumbeats. They thank god Goshidai as they believe it protects their herds during spring and summer seasons.

Young girls and boys sing and dance in groups in the community halls. Houses are decorated and the Kalash people wear new clothes that are specifically prepared for the occasion.Main feature of the festival is selection of life partner for unmarried boys and girls.

Last year, the TCKP had established a tent village for the tourists. The facility attracted a large number of visitors to the festival.A tent village will also be set up this year besides extending every possible support to the Kalash tribe so that the people could revive their traditions and customs and celebrate their religious rites.

According to organisers, Kalash men and women were seen shopping for the festival in the Chitral bazaar while in the valleys they were busy preparing traditional dresses for the festival. 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.