Chitral valley

                                                   
                      

Chitral is the heart of Hindukush, settling between the rough piles of the Hindukush- 'Slayers of the Hindus'. The area is a shrouded Paradise in the Hindukush range, This fascinating region of snow-topped mountain ranges, ever-enduring icy masses and profound green valleys through which stream the frigid frosty and clear as can be slope torrents from mountain springs and blue white ice sheets has a common appeal and fascination of its own. It is here in Chitral that stands the grand Terichmir Peak, fifth most astounding on the planet, towering in excess of 25,000 ft. into the sky alongside other sister tops tossing a test to the exploit cherishing men of the world. Chitral like Gilgit is popular as the support of Polo, which is its national diversion. It is here in Chitral that the planets renowned and most noteworthy Polo ground stands right on the very summit of the in excess of 12,250 ft Shandur Pass. It shifts in rise from around 1070 m (around 3500 ft) in the amazing south in Arandu to 7,690 m (25,230 ft) at the summit of Terich Mir in the Hindukush.

Typical kalashi kids of Chitral

Kalash valley 

Kalash valley is inhabited by world-fame ancient Kalash tribe that over the centuries has retained its own religion, distinct customs. Kalash community is settled in three separate valleys, Birir, Bumburet and Rambur. The tribe regularly celebrates annual festivals during which men and women perform colorful dances and rejoice their favorite events with lot of fanfare. The Chilamjusht, Phool, Chawas and Utchal are the main festivals.

Kalash Festivals

Joshi or Chilimjusht: This festival is held from 14th to 15th May to mark spring when girls pick the first flowers of the season. Traditional dancing, visiting each other, exchanging flowers, milk and milk products are its features.

Utchal: This colorful event is celebrated in mid-July to mark the harvest of wheat and barley. The two-day celebrations feature dances, singing and hosting feasts.
 Chowas: Chowas is a festival celebrated in winter from 18th to 21st December to welcome the New Year. Its significant feature is feasting and merriment that continue until the elders sitting on a hill top and watching the movement of the sun then declare the advent of the New Year. Later after coming down the hills, they light their torches, perform dances and sacrifice goats at the altar.

Nauroze: It falls on 21st March and is celebrated in Itkuh, Mastuj, and Turikho Mulkho by Ismails, the faithful followers of His Highness Prince Karim Agha Khan. Great enthusiasm and warmth is shown by Ismailis on the occasion.

Jashn-e-Chitral: Being main festival it is celebrated with great pomp and show.
The date for this event is fixed every year. It has an unusual attraction for tourists who especially take a trip to Chitral to enjoy the event. The festivities include equestrian sports, wrestling, polo competitions, tug-of-war, colourful folk dances and music by the Kalash community. An exhibition of local handicrafts is part of this event.