Kalash region is home to Kalash people who live in three isolated mountain valleys of Chitral.
These valleys are named Bumburet , Rumbur and Birir. They are located some 20 km before Chitral city while coming from Dir, in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
All three valleys are connected to Afghanistan’s Nuristan Provine via high passes of about 4500 meters.
The Kalash villages are located at a height of about 2100 meter above sea level.
Religion
These Kalash people are related to Nurisatni people of Afghanistan also known as Kafiristan. They practice religion which is similar Rigvedic Aryans and pre-Zoroastrian Iranians.
Culture
Kalash region is extremely fertile, covering the mountainside in rich oak forests and allowing for intensive agriculture. As part of their religious tradition, sacrifices are offered and festivals held to give thanks for the abundant resources of their three valleys
Customs
Kalasha women usually wear long black robes, often embroidered with cowrie shells which gives them a distinct look and are known in Chitral as "The Black Kafirs".
Their culture is unique and different from other ethnic groups of the region. Nature plays a highly significant and spiritual role in their daily life. As part of their religious tradition, sacrifices are offered and festivals held to give thanks for the abundant resources of their three valleys.
Festivals
Festivals are held in Kalash to thank their gods for his blessing on harvest & good living. Although many are held in Kalash valley throughout the year but three of them are significant. These are Joshi festival in late May, the Uchau in autumn, and the Caumus in midwinter.
Most important of these festivals is Caumus which is celebrated from December 7th to 22nd. It marks the end of field work and harvest. It involves much music, dancing, and the sacrifice of many goats.