Kalash Festivals and Dates

The Kalash people are renowned for their vibrant and culturally rich festivals. Here are the key festivals celebrated by the Kalash community and their dates:

Chilam Joshi Festival: May 14-16
Uchal Festival: August 20-22
Choimus Festival (Chitirmas): December 14-16

These festivals are a testament to the unique traditions and customs of the Kalash people, drawing visitors and cultural enthusiasts from around the world. Each festival is celebrated with traditional dances, music, rituals, and vibrant attire, reflecting the rich heritage of the Kalash community.

Festivals in Kalash Valley, Chitral

KALASH CHILAM JOSHI FESTIVAL (MAY 14-16)

The Kalash Chilam Joshi Festival, also known as the Kalash Spring Festival, is one of the most vibrant celebrations of the Kalash people, an indigenous group in the Chitral District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This festival marks the arrival of spring and is celebrated with various rituals, dancing, and feasting. The Kalash people adorn colorful traditional clothing and engage in lively music and dances. They believe Chilam Joshi ensures the fertility of the land and brings a balance to nature. The community performs rituals to honor their gods and goddesses, strengthening social bonds and passing cultural traditions to younger generations.

KALASH UCHAL FESTIVAL (AUGUST 20-22)

The Uchal Festival is another significant celebration for the Kalasha tribe, held annually in August during the barley and wheat harvest season. This festival is a time of gratitude for the blessings of good food and abundant crops. The community prepares special foods like corn, buttermilk, and cheese. Women in traditional attire perform dances, and the festival includes vibrant singing, dancing, and homage to nature. A key highlight is the procession to a high plateau in Balangkuru, where prayers are offered, and the night is filled with dancing, moving to various locations within the valleys.

KALASH CHOIMUS FESTIVAL (DECEMBER 14-16)

The Choimus Festival, or Chitirmas, is the Kalasha people’s winter celebration. Lasting several days, it features traditional dances, foods, and prayer chants dedicated to the Balomain spirit. Participants dance around bonfires to the rhythm of drum beats and enjoy locally brewed mulberry wine. Women wear traditional black robes and elaborate headwear. The festival culminates with tribal elders gathering on hilltops to witness the new year’s sunrise, followed by goat sacrifices to the Goddess Jastak at the Jastarkhan temple.

Explore Chitral's Must-Visit Locations During Festivals

Kalash Valleys (Bumburet, Rumbur, and Birir)
Immerse in Kalasha culture during festivals like Choimus and Chilam Joshi. Experience traditional dances, rituals, and unique customs.
Shahi Mosque
Discover the exquisite architecture and serenity of this historical mosque in Chitral town, reflecting the region’s rich Islamic heritage.
Chitral Fort
Enjoy panoramic views of Chitral town and its surrounding mountains from this historic fort, delving into the region’s history.
Garam Chashma
Relax in the therapeutic hot springs of Garam Chashma, known for their natural healing properties.
Shandur Pass
Witness thrilling polo matches against the breathtaking backdrop of the “Roof of the World” during the Shandur Polo Festival.
Tirich Mir Viewpoint
Capture stunning vistas of Tirich Mir, the highest peak of the Hindu Kush range, a photographer’s paradise.
Ayun Valley
Explore lush greenery and the confluence of the Chitral and Bumburet rivers in Ayun Valley, the gateway to the Kalash Valleys.
Jastarkhan Temple
Experience rituals and goat sacrifices dedicated to the Goddess Jastak during the Choimus Festival at this temple.
Chitral Museum
Learn about the rich history, culture, and traditions of Chitral and the Kalasha people through captivating exhibits and artifacts.
Booni
Experience scenic landscapes and warm hospitality in Booni, Upper Chitral. Embrace the traditional lifestyle and create lasting memories.