Kalash Valleys Host Annual Chilam Joshi Festival

The annual Chilam Joshi festival is set to captivate visitors in the picturesque Kalash valleys of Bumburet, Birir, and Rumbur from May 13 to 17. This vibrant celebration showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Kalash people, drawing in tourists from far and wide.

The festivities kick off with 'Milkday,' where offerings of milk are made to seek blessings for the community's safety and prosperity. Throughout the festival, traditional dances by Kalash girls and boys, accompanied by rhythmic drum beats, fill the air with joy and energy.

Colorful attire, intricate gold and silver jewelry, and elaborate headgear adorn the women, while men don traditional shalwar kameez with woolen waistcoats. The community comes together to pray for the well-being of their herds and crops, infusing the event with a sense of unity and reverence.

The Chilam Joshi festival unfolds across the valleys, starting in Rumbur and spreading to other Kalash settlements. Each day brings unique ceremonies, from gathering wildflowers and walnut leaves to distributing milk and blessings among villagers.

On the final day, the Ghona ceremony sees the entire Kalash community coming together for shared rituals and celebrations, reinforcing the bonds that define this vibrant culture.

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of the Kalash valleys during the Chilam Joshi festival. Witness the beauty of age-old customs, colorful festivities, and heartfelt prayers that define this unique cultural extravaganza.