Kalash popular sport not held for want of snow
CHITRAL: The most popular winter sport of Kalash people known as creg ghal could not be played this year as well for want of a thick layer of snow in the valley as dry spell prevailed there since December last.
The Kalash people said that the sport, resembling golf and played on snow-clad fields encompassing more than one mile length, is the part and parcel of Kalash culture since the time immemorial in all the three Kalash valleys of Bumburate, Birir and Rumbur.
Zaidik Kalash of Bumburate said that creg ghal formed one of their religious rituals is played as one of the religious obligations while musical concerts and feasts are arranged in the night by the winning team and it generated a great charm for the residents.
He said that the players strike the hand-sewn ball of cloth with a stick resembling that of hockey or polo and made to pass through the goal post of the opponent team to claim against a goal against it.
He said that the number of players is not specified and fixed which can reach one hundred as well as due to the enormity of its field while the field spreads over snow-clad fields of the village.
The elders of the village acting as a jury declare the best player as the ‘king of the village’ for the season and he is taken to the justakhan (dancing hall) of the village by the players of the losing team on their shoulder amidst the beating of drums and merry-making in a long procession, he said.
He said that the festivities ensued for many days after the event and the players of the winning are congratulated by the people of the other villages creating a flurry of activities.
