The Kalash Valley

The beautiful Kalash valley surrounded by mountains is located in District Chitral in near Pak-Afghan border. The valley is very famous in all around the world due to their unique life style, colourful dress, lots of different unique cultural actives and customs. Tons of tourist from almost all over the world visit this valley every year. In fact the Kalash valley is the hub of tourist in Pakistan.

The Kalash people also called Kalasha are very famous for their hospitality, and one of the amazing tradition is that when you go any Kalasha’s house they will ask you for Vine instead of tea or water, because Vine is the most important part of their custom/traditional activities. The Vine is therefore easily available in every Kalasha’s house.

Kalasha’s (Kalash People) are consider the most minor community in the world. Their existence is very important in term of tourism. Government of Pakistan is doing its best for the protection and facilitation of these people. They are indeed an asset for Pakistan as thousands of people visit Pakistan and Chitral.

Three main festivals celebrated in this areas are as below:

i.    Chilam Joshi
ii.    Uchau
iii.    Choimus
The people of Kalash Valley believes in a number of Gods and Goddesses e.g. Yama Raja (also called Dezau), Khodai, Balumain, Destak, Munjem, Dezalik and many more.

The different Gods and Goddesses have shrines and altars all over the Kalash valley, where goat sacrifices are offered usually.  Crows are considered to be their ancestors are frequently fed with their left hand at different places like tombs.

Moreover, the people of Kalash do not bury their dead bodies under the ground rather their coffins are left out in the open. They believe that the soul was excited to leave the human body and reunite with the already departed souls. That is why they celebrate the funeral of a dead person by singing and dancing rather than mourning over their bodies.

Many first class restaurants and hotels are there in Kalash valley in every affordable price. The beautiful Kalash valley is self-sufficient with many different fruits, beautiful rivers, mountains etc. They valley is a great gift from the God to the people of the area and Pakistan.

Those who visits Kalash valley should respect the culture and customs of the people. They are the most precious people and this existence in our country is a blessing of God. The Kalashas are the most peaceful people in the world.