AqeelBaig
Age: 60 
4493 days old here
Total Posts: 3576
Location:
Karachi, Pakistan
Status : Offline |
Subject : Trip to "Chilimjusht Festival” Started by Pajero & ended by Boeing 737.
Spring Festival “Joshi /Chilimjusht”, Kalash was in my wish list since long. The festival is celebrated every year in May.
The festival begins at Rumbur where the Shaman (a kind of priest) and tribal chiefs lead a procession to the “ Malosh altar” , high above Grum, to sacrifice goats to the gods . Later the festival moves on to Bumboret and ends up at Birir a few days later.
Dancing and rhythmical chant to the beat of drum echoes in the valleys on every religious ceremony. The women wearing their traditional black robes, ornate cowries shelled head dresses and adorned with colored necklaces, dance in a circle. Then the men join in: it may be a man and a women or a man in the middle with a women on each side, lovers being free to intermingle. One hand is held round the waist of the partner and the other round the shoulders. Tribal chiefs in colorful dresses narrate stories of bygone days and events.
We planned to be there this time in May 2013. Passengers on board were
1. Aadil Jadoon
2. Yuni Khan
3. Fahad Ullah
4. Yasir Nisar (to join us from Lahore)
5. Me, Aqeel Baig
We departed from Karachi on 10th May 2013 at 0600 pm in Aadil Jadoon's Pajero.
At a few Km further from Qazi Ahmed, the Pajero water hose pipe busted & the Engine heated up. Stayed over there at the road for whole night, could not start the engine & finally found out that its Head is cracked & SUV is no more road worthy.
Next day on 11th May, we sent the Pajero to Karachi for repair via Car Carrier & boarded Daewoo back home. Meanwhile, Air Tickets were arranged for Islamabad Flight in the evening.
Nobody wanted to miss the Festival.
Reached Islamabad at night, Yasir Nisar joined us from Lahore via Daewoo.
We were to board the Chitral Flight but could not as seats were not available.
Hence, left in the morning to Abottabad & stayed at Aadil Jadoon's home for the night.
From there hired a Hiace Van & the road started from there.
It was Monday, 13th 2013, we crossed Lowari Tunnel & reached Rimbir, Chitral for festival which was scheduled to start on 14th & shall continue till 16th.
The festive mood has a distinct charm & need not be missed who have the opportunity.
We stayed till 16th morning, had a ball there. Thanks to a superb company.
Met Ali Bajarani there (Nice Fellow) Thanks Ali for arranging the local dance. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
Met Sai Ameen (A Gilgit local) who accompanied us till Gilgit, provided us stay there. A good person.
His father Abdul Qayuoom (a thorough gentleman). Loved his company & was amazed to listen how he has struggled in his life. He is a role model for those who love to strive in the world.
From Chitral, we went towards Gilgit via Shandur, stayed for the night at Mastuj. Next morning had a superb time at Shandur Pass (12400 feet).
Reached Islamabad on 19th May 2013 @ 1230 hrs.
Yasir departed for Lahore in evening, Fahad stayed for night, Yuni is there to attend a few relatives weddings. Me & Aadil took the evening flight & reached back home to join the office on Monday 20th. 
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