Peshawar: Surrounded by the mountains of the Hindu Kush live a small group of people called the Kalash. They have their own language, religion and dress. There are many theories about how they came to inhabit their lofty valleys. Some say that they are the descendents tribes who intermarried with followers of Alexander the Great while others discern traces of Greek Civilization and physical characteristics among the Kalash. Their origin is still not clear but many foreigners relate to them as a “little Island of Pagans in a Muslim World”.
The origin of the Kalashah or ‘Wearers of Black’ is shrouded in mystery; their tribe has existed for thousands of years having survived in the Hindu Kush Mountains of Chitral in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. They follow a pagan religion, speak an ancient language and possess a culture that is most unique. The 30003500 souls are also ranked amongst some of the world’s most endangered indigenous groups. Efforts are underway to grant the region and these people Protected Status under UNESCO.
The Kalash are famous for their ceremonies and unique customs. One of such is the Joshi or the Chillum Jusht Spring Festival. The festival is dedicated to spring and to future harvests. It includes dancing, music and family reunion for four to six days in Mid May. This year the festival is from today 14th May to 16th May 2013.
Tourism Corporation Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is promoting the Chillum Jusht Festival with the Tagline “Explore the Beautiful Kalash Valley”. This year many foreign tourists are attending this ceremony which has begun today in Bumburet Valley of Chitral. Since the past few years with the law and order situation of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa not many foreigners attended the festivals and they were really missed but this year tourists have come from Germany, British, Japanese, Korea and Scotland.
A large number of Domestic Tourists are also seen from Karachi and Lahore. A local Kalashi remarked in reference to the higher number of tourists this years in comparison to the past few years. Mr Zarin said “Foul proof security has been arranged and all the hotels in Chitrala and adjourning areas are completely booked”. He also stated “It’s like old times seeing all these people once again showing an interest in our rich Cultural Heritage”.
The General Manager Events Muhammad Ali Sayyed also stated in regard to it “It is a great achievement for all the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to be revived and witness such a growth in not only domestic tourism but international tourism also. It is the continuous effort of TCKP to promote the Soft Image of the province.”
No idea, if they have anything in common, but I hope that they are well aware of their neighbourhood because for Kashmiris, anything that is not Kashmiri is Punjabi :D
No idea, if they have anything in common, but I hope that they are well aware of their neighbourhood because for Kashmiris, anything that is not Kashmiri is Punjabi :D
Don't they (Kashmiris) have access to any other communities?
they do have, they ruled India from 1947-1984 :)
But Since Punjabis are more loud and proud, mostly visit kashmir because of Amarnath Shrine and involve in management of pilgrimage movement, Kashmiris can't differentiate between a dogra and punjabis :) so everything becomes Punjabi for them
They have just one name for srinagar, Shahr. Shahr is end of the journey, mere mention of it can assuage their pain :)
they do have, they ruled India from 1947-1984 :)
But Since Punjabis are more loud and proud, mostly visit kashmir because of Amarnath Shrine and involve in management of pilgrimage movement, Kashmiris can't differentiate between a dogra and punjabis :) so everything becomes Punjabi for them
They have just one name for srinagar, Shahr. Shahr is end of the journey, mere mention of it can assuage their pain :)
You mean there is no city (shahr) in Kashmir other than Sri Nagar?
PS: Whats the difference between Dogra and Kashmiris?
You mean there is no city (shahr) in Kashmir other than Sri Nagar?
PS: Whats the difference between Dogra and Kashmiris?
Srinagar is capital of Kashmir, So they call it shehr. It has many 15 small towns, like Baramulla, ananatnag, Poonch Rajauri etc
Dogras are ethnically Punjabis, with a little different dialect of Punjabi, found in and around Jammu,
Kashmiris are Dardic people, found only in Kashmir,
No idea, if they have anything in common, but I hope that they are well aware of their neighbourhood because for Kashmiris, anything that is not Kashmiri is Punjabi :D
First and foremost in what? is it a Brahmin claim or Kashmiri claim?
Kashmiri pandit claim, every kashmiri that is not hindu is convert :), in rest of India, Kashmiri Pandits are claimed to be the first set of brahmins :)
have you heard of this?