Presented by AMJAD ALI

Chitral or Chetrar translated as field in the native language Khowar, is the capital of the Chitral District, situated on the western bank of the Kunar River (also called Chitral River), in Pakistan. The easiest access to Chitral is in the southwest along the Chitral or Kunar Valley towards Jalalabad. This route is open all year and provides direct access to Kabul. However the PakistanAfghanistan border (Durand Line) prevents this being used as an internal route to Peshawar and the south.

 Through Afghanistan Through Gilgit Through Dir in Khyber Pakhtunkhawa. By air via Islamabad and Peshawar.

 97% of the population are followers of Islam, with

majority being Sunni and about forty percent Shia Imami Ismaili. Although the Kalash Tribes are said to be Atheists.

Marriage is an important event which is celebrated with great joy. The marriage involves different sub-events and ceremonies as below: Wachik (Taking proposal) Gali Botaik(The Engagement) Phatak or Ishperi (Giving meal to villagers) Nikah and Maher Ruzayo Angeik (Marriage) Xheri (Celebration) Ishtok (Musical Programme) Koli Bar (Stuff brought from brides house) Ghechi Naik (Taking back bride to her parental place)

Majority of festive are related to agricultural calendar and animal husbandry which shows the importance of agriculture and livestock in the lives of the local community. Navrozi (getting ready for agricultural process) Bi Nisik (Taking the seed to agricultural land) Phin Dik ( When the crop is almost ready) Yar Doi ( gathering the villagers to cut the crops) Dai Dik ( gathering the cutted crops) Kramiek (thrashing)

Jashn-e-Nowroz This is celebrated on 21st march each year. It is a religious festival, this is celebrated in the memory of a sufi saint named Peer Nasir Khisraw who is held to be responsible of Ismaili faith in this region. Shandoor Polo Festival This is celebrated from 7th to 9th july annually. Polo matches are oraganised between the polo teams of chitral and gilgit. Jashn-e-Broghil Celebrated from 15th to 17 july in Broghil which is the last village of Chitral District. Buzz Kashi is played in this festival.

Kalash Festivals Chilimjhust, Uchal, Pool ,Chitirmus festivals Chilimjhust is held 14th and 15th May in Kalash Valley. During this festival flowers are picked, dance sessions are held and exchange of dairy products takes place. Uchal is held in mid July. Celebrated to mark harvest season with dancing, singing and feasting for two days. Pool is organized from 20th to 25th September. It is held to celebrate the ripening of grapes and walnuts. They never touch grapes before the festivals. Chitirmus held in December from 15th to 21th. This festival is celebrated with great pump and show on the onset of New Year.

Chitralis speak Khowar language. Persian Wekhik War Pushto Kalash War

 The traditional old

house is basically a one large room house where almost all human activities were carried out: from cooking of food to sleeping. The house hall is divided into different sections to be used for different purpose. Just above the bukhari (fire place) traditional Central Asian style Risen (chimney/holes) are prepared for ventilation and light. On the roof a Mara (small store previously used to store fruits) and a verandah type shelter is made.

However, now a-days there have been changes within the main structure of the traditional houses. Nowadays houses are made for cements and bricks equipped with all modern facilities. The traditional house after modifications in its structure is used as main hall where the family members sit together. Separate rooms are now constructed for sleeping purposes. The kitchen has been now separated from the main hall.

Due to isolation from external world the local people were totally self sufficient in foods however, the production was not enough to provide enough calories. Different dried and fresh fruits were also consumed as meal. Majority of people were producing buckwheat and barley to prepare bread. During summer people were storing food items so to be consumed during winter. Bread, Dairy products and Soup were the main sources of food.

Although some of the traditional dishes include: Pandir (Cheese) Pandir Muzhi: Cheese and crushed walnuts kernel sandwiched between the layers of wheat dough and cooked in a mini size stell oven in low heat. Zholai: Same as Pandir Muzhi but only crushed walnuts are crushed. Pushor Tiki: Pieces of fatrich mutton sandwiched between layers of wheat dough and cooked in ashes after cover it with frying pan. Kali: A variety of cour prepared from minced meat, wheat flour and number of delectable local spices. Kawirogh: Flowers of a local wild plant are collected and processed in the heat of sun dried which is then cooked with meat without any other seasoning but salt. It is said to remedy for many diseases. Lazhek: Fat rich mutton is cooked formerly in large clay pots with crushed wheat grain, Nutrious, delicious and wholesome.

 Music is very

important part the local society. Music is played during different celebrations and events. Some of the musical instruments include:

Sitar Dol Sunai (Local Trumpet) Damama (Chitrali Tabla) Beru (Flute) Gharba (Rubab)

Some of the famous tunes and rhythms are: Shishtu War (Mostly played for Brides Family Members Suchi (Played for Groom and his family members and close friends) Barwazi (A local long coat is wore in a proper rhythm while dancing) Dani (Few people in a village are trained to dance on this rhythm)

 Embroidery work is a household skill and serves as a safe haven for all

types of creativity and self-expression. Embroidery has a great place in the culture, it shows the uniqueness to any cultural entity. During old times the mothers were giving trainings to their daughter in embroidery works. With commercialization many women prepare different handicraft products and sale in local markets.

The people of Chitral wear simple dress consisting of shirts, trousers and home spun cap during summer season. Shalwar Kameez Kapur (Chitrali Cap) Shoqa (long woolen coat) Girwan Bazuri (Traditional women dress) Kalash Dress

www.khowar.com www.pamirtimes.net www.wtca.com

Chitral Tour Guide Book by Prof. Rakhmat Karim Baig