By Zahiruddin
CHITRAL: A sitting was held here on Wednesday in Bumburate valley in connection with the preparations of the spring festival Chilim Jusht of Kalash people in which participants were enthralled by the traditional Kalash dance and other feats of merry-making.
Held under the aegis of federal ministry of religious affairs and inter-faith harmony, the function was attended by the Kalash elites and religious leaders of all the three Kalash valleys of Bumburate, Birir and Rumbur.
Addressing on the occasion, the deputy commissioner of Lower Chitral, Khurshid Alam Mehsud said that Chilim Jusht was the prime festival of the primitive people which heralded the advent of spring season and the government was duty bound to fully facilitate them to hold their festival scheduled to commence from 12th May.
He said that the existence of Kalash people represented a positive and soft image of Pakistan all over the world and the perfect inter-faith harmony is prevailing here which can be presented as the possibly best example.
“We do not treat the Kalash as minority and have equalized with the Muslim community in all walks of life and administration and it was heartening to note the ideal peaceful atmosphere in the valleys.
The Kalash elders are always free to determine the minute details of their festivals and they are free to practice their religious beliefs and in reality we consider them as the embellishment of the whole valley of Chitral”, he said.
The DC also appreciated the federal ministry for arranging and holding the special function in connection with Chilim Jusht fesrtival.
While responding to the reservations expressed by Kalash elders, he assured the community that land settlement process will be finalized as per their aspirations and they will never be divested of their forests and pastures.
Earlier, the deputy secretary of the ministry, Imran Rashid highlighted the importance of Kalash culture and termed them an asset for the country and assured them of all out support from the government for their empowerment in highest degree.
He said that the ministry had taken a number of steps for minorities and it was being ensured that Kalash were equal beneficiary of them which included preservation of their religious and cultural heritages, funding for their religious activities and special initiatives for their education.
The function was concluded by the special prayers by the Kalash religious leaders (qazi) Mir Baja and Dinuk (Birir), Sherzada (Rumbur) and Bahram Shah (Bumburate) for the well-being, prosperity and safety from natural hazards till the next winter season.
