CHITRAL: The vibrant Uchal festival of the Kalash people has commenced simultaneously in the Bumburate and Rumber valleys. This three-day celebration, which honors the successful harvest of wheat and barley, will conclude on Friday in Bumburate.
The festival began on Wednesday with the Ucaw Bandek ritual, where Kalash elders formally announced the festival’s start. Fresh flowers were distributed among the people, symbolizing purification and a release from grief. In every household, a portion of freshly harvested wheat was set aside to be used in rituals on the festival’s second day.
On Thursday, known locally as Jajai Zhuk, the community carried the sacred wheat flour to the high-altitude pastures for prayers and a communal feast. Shepherds, who reside in these mountain pastures, returned to the villages bearing fresh cheese and butter, some of which were offered at village altars as part of the rituals.
The final day of the festival is dedicated to prayers and celebrations. Each Kalasha village gathers at their respective high altars—such as Dewa dur, Maha dew, and Shinghun—for prayer ceremonies. Sacrifices are made, and holy bread and cheese are distributed among male guests.
After evening prayers, joyous celebrations burst into life, with children drumming and singing at sacred sites like Pragehen Tok and Wenaw Shay. The community joins together for music, dance, and further prayers, reinforcing social bonds as shepherds reunite with their families. The festival culminates at dawn with the Ucaw Sual prayer held at Sajigor, the highest altar, marking the conclusion of this heartfelt thanksgiving celebration.
Community and Government Support
The Kalash Valleys Development Authority (KVDA) has undertaken extensive preparations to ensure smooth festival proceedings and a welcoming experience for tourists.
KVDA Director General Minhasuddin shared that, after consulting Kalash elders, the authority implemented a comprehensive plan including thorough cleaning of festival venues and valleys, repairs of damaged roads, improved parking and lighting around festival sites, and expanded seating capacities.
Tourist facilitation centers have been established in Dubazh, Krakal, and Brune, with local youth volunteers deployed to assist visitors. An integrated command and control system has been put in place to coordinate efforts among various government departments, ensuring effective management of the event. These efforts reflect a strong commitment to preserving the cultural heritage of the Kalash people while promoting sustainable tourism.
Originally published in dawn.com