Lower Chitral: The Traditional Chilam Joshi Festival in the Kalash valleys of Chitral has been initiated from May 13, and will continue until 17 May 2026.
Assistant Director Tourism Authority Muhammad Saad said the festival formally began in Rumbur Valley with the traditional “Cherik Pipi” ritual, known as the day of drinking and sharing milk.
He explained that during the ritual, boys and girls visit goat barns, which are decorated with wildflowers and walnut leaves. Milk, cheese, and yoghurt are distributed among participants as symbols of love and harmony, while walnut bread is also traditionally prepared and shared during the celebrations.
Participants perform traditional dances to the beat of cultural drums, showcasing the unique heritage and customs of the Kalash community.
Muhammad Saad stated that Tourism Police personnel have been deployed from the Lowari Tunnel to the Kalash valleys to facilitate and ensure the security of tourists. He added that, on the instructions of Director General Tourism Authority Shahid Khan, leaves of tourism police personnel had been cancelled during the festival period.
Large numbers of domestic and foreign tourists have arrived in all three Kalash valleys to witness the cultural festivities, while the concluding ceremony of the festival will be held in Bumburet Valley.
