AYUN: For the second consecutive year, the Kalash community celebrated its annual Chilim Jusht spring festival in Bumburate, Birir and Rumbur under the Covid-19 restrictions. The five-day festival concluded on Sunday.
The administration had banned the entry of tourists, both local and non-local, while police and Chitral Levies manned roads leading to the valleys. A a group of foreigners was also sent back a few days ago.
Despite the ban on entry of tourists, the commissioner and DIG of Malakand division attended the concluding festival.
Though security was tight, the participants did not follow the Covid-19 SOPS strictly. The participants used face masks but did not bother to keep distance during the festival. Men and women as usual performed traditional dances.—
This festival gives an opportunity to celebrate the beginning of summer and to give a message of peace to the world. During the festival, people of Kalash pray for the safety of their fields and animals.
The people of Kalash adore music and dance to the beat of drums.–Muhkam Uddin Ayuni