Kalash winter festival Chitramas to continue till 22nd

AYUN: The year’s last festival of the Kalash tribe of Chitral got underway in the three valleys of Buburate, Birir and Rumbur. It will continue till 22nd of this month.

The main function to launch the winter festival of Chitramas or Choumos was held at the newly-constructed dancing hall in the village of Blangoro in Rumbur on the night between Dec 7 and 8. Women and men on the occasion took part in the festival and congratulated each other.

However, during the gathering, the participants completely disregarded the Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs).

During this festival, elderly men and youth from the tribe stay in rooms attached with cattle pen away from houses for seven days. They eat meat of he-goats along with wine during these days. The meat of he-goats is not given to women during these days and they are provided with the meat of she-goats only. In Kalasha culture, eating meat of he-goat and honey are forbidden for women.

There are specif days fixed during this festival when no one from outside is allowed to enter the area or take part in the festival. The violators are penalized.

A large number of people were seen heading to the Kalash valleys to witness the winter festival on Monday.–Muhkam Uddin Ayuni

 

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