The Kalasha Valleys are valleys in Chitral
District in northern Pakistan. The valleys are surrounded by
the Hindu Kush mountain range. The inhabitants of the valley are
the Kalash people, who have a unique culture, language and follow a form
of ancient Hinduism. As such, the Kalasha Valleys are a source of
attraction for Pakistani as well as International tourists. There are three
main valleys. The largest and most populous valley is Bumburet, reached
by a road from Ayun in the Kunar Valley. Rumbur is a
side valleys north of Bumburet. The third valley, Biriu is a side valley of the
Kunar Valley south of Bumburet.
Kalash people are the smallest religious as well as
the ethnic minority of Pakistan. Their customs and traditions are contradictory
to the Islamic and Pakistani culture. The Kalash religion
is polytheist faith and the people offer sacrifices for their gods.
Their culture is interlinked with their religion and based upon several
festivals and celebrations. The people generally do not intermarry or cohabit
regions with local Muslims but neither are they hostile towards them.
The people are under legal and constitutional protection of the State of
Pakistan as a scheduled tribe.
