Kalash get modern dancing hall
CHITRAL, May 14; On the occasion of the famous Kalash festival Chilim Jusht, the Kalash people of Rumbur got a new Jastakhan (dancing hall) with modern facilities suited to their needs.
The speakers at the function held in connection with the inauguration of a Jastakhan constructed by Chitral Integrated Area Development Project (CIADP) funded by the government of Norway here the other day said the facility was most sought-after by the community as dancing formed a major component of their rituals.
DCO Rahmatullah Wazir, officers of CIADP Ziaur Rahman, Asfandiyar Khan and community member Saifulla Kalash and chairman of Ayun and Valleys Development Program (AVDP) Muhkamuddin highlighted the efforts of CIADP for launching projects for the amelioration of Kalash people.
It was told that CIADP has so far spent a large sum of 14.6 million rupees on different projects in the Kalash valleys of Bumburate and Rumbur covering all the sectors of development. Expressing their satisfaction over the harmony between the Kalash and Muslim communities in the Kalash valleys of Bumburate, Birir and Rumbur, they said that the Kalash have always enjoyed peace and amiable atmosphere in the valley which has provided them with the opportunity of practicing their centuries old ways of life.
When the chief guest formally inaugurated the jastakhan by cutting a tap, the Kalash damsels performed their excellent feat of dancing in the hall and enthralled the audience. Later, a number of projects were also inaugurated in Bumburate valley as well.–Zahiruddin]]>