Entry of bike riders in Kalash valleys banned

CHITRAL: The district administration of Lower Chitral has imposed Section 144 to ban a number of activities in the Kalash valleys during the annual Chilim Jush (Zhoshi) festival.

In a handout issued on Sunday, the deputy commissioner office said that a ban has been imposed on the entry of bike riders in the Kalash valleys from Nay 12 to 17. Moreover, travelling to the area in open Suzuki pickups and other vehicles and staying under the open sky or burning fire in the open spaces would not be allowed.

There will also be a ban on entry and roaming in Kalash valleys by tourists without a registered tourist guide. The district administration has also banned taking pictures and making videos of women in the valleys without their permission. Tourists have been directed to respect the local culture and avoid violating the restrictions otherwise strict legal action would be initiated against the violators.

The four-day Chilim Jush festival will be held in the Kalash valleys of Bumburet, Birir and Rumbur from May 13, 2024, according to the KP Culture and Tourism Authority.

During the festival, the Kalash people will seek the blessings of their God and pray for the safety of their herds and crops of the community.  On the first day, the Z’oshi/Zosh ceremony takes place, where boys and girls go to the higher pastures to pluck wildflowers and walnut leaves to the beat of drums.

On second day, C’irik pi pi (milk drinking and distribution day) is held in which goat stables are decorated with wildflowers and walnut leaves, singing rituals, and ceremonies take place in every village.

On the third day, villages get together at the top of the village, distribute dried mulberries and walnuts for the ceremony of newly born babies. On the fourth day, during the Ghona ceremony, all the villagers of the Kalash community gather at the main venue, and similar rituals and ceremonies are followed.