Ray of hope: Kalash spring festival ends in Chitral

Impassable roads, militancy cast dark shadow before event

CHITRAL: Despite serious concerns regarding attendance and security, the three-day Kalash spring festival concluded successfully in Bumboret Valley on Friday.

Tourists from Pakistan and other parts of the world attended the festivities, quelling some of the fear expressed by residents recently regarding the area’s troubled tourism industry.

The last day of ‘Joshi Chilam Chost’ was celebrated in the traditional manner. Holding the "sacred branches" of the walnut tree in their hands, Kalasha performers danced to the beat of the drums. In appreciation of local culture and in the true spirit of the festival, many tourists adorned colourful dresses traditionally worn by Kalasha women and danced alongside them.

“Nature has gifted these valleys with rich treasures of beauty and culture, which are enough to attract tourists from across the world,” said Zafar Iqbal, an Italian of Pakistani origin. Iqbal made the long trip just to be a part of this special event and visit this "peaceful and loving place".

Impact of terrorism on tourism

Earlier, many residents who rely on tourism for their livelihoods had feared the worst. They were concerned about inaccessible roads and militancy.

Shing Rye, a handicraft artisan from Bumboret Valley, told The Express Tribune her earnings were reduced by half, citing poor law and order as the major cause. “Apart from militancy, the roads leading to Kalash valleys are opened for only three months in a year and their dilapidated condition is worsening and discouraging tourists,” she said.

Foreign tourists interested in local handicraft hardly visit, according to Amir Gul Kalash. In charge of a handicraft centre operated by the Kalash Development Network,  Amir Gul said the government pays no heed to this sector, which is the only source of livelihood for some people. She said most women who produced beautiful handicraft goods were now sitting idle as visitors were shrinking daily.

Some residents may breathe a sigh of relief after witnessing the festival’s attendance, which is a sign of hope.

Government officials and lawmakers recently confirmed there has been a delay in funds promised by the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) government for the rehabilitation of infrastructure damaged by floods, including roads and bridges. Residents also said roads leading to all three Kalash valleys were completely closed due to recent flash floods that destroyed the route to Birir.

In festival spirits

Despite troublesome traveling conditions, a large number of local and foreign tourists managed to attend the festival. Visitor Khadija Sardar said the turnout was encouraging given the prevailing situation in the province. However, she felt the government made proper arrangements to accommodate tourists.

The Chitral administration organised tight security to protect visitors and avoid any trouble.

Residents said this was the first time in over a decade that senior government officials participated in Joshi. K-P Minister for Minorities Soran Singh inaugurated the festival on the May 14 in the newly constructed grounds where many Kalasha performances took place.