The Kalash 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 Kalasha or Kalash people who have a unique culture, language and follow a form of ancient Hinduism.
There are three main valleys of this region Bumburet, Rumbur and Birir. The culture of the Kalash people is unique and differs in many ways from the many contemporary Muslim ethnic groups surrounding them in northwestern Pakistan. 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. The three main festivals of the Kalash are the Chilam Joshi in middle of May, the Uchau in autumn, and the Caumus in midwinter.Death is regarded a form of release and the deceased should be given a proper send off. When a Kalash dies a funerary statue is placed on his grave and in front of his house. The dead have traditionally been placed in walnut coffins that stand above the ground in special graveyards. During festivals food and offering are brought to the statues. Descendent often have conversations with the statues as if they were still alive. In Kalash valley Women do most of the field work and are responsible for crops while men are responsible for animals. Marriages have traditionally been arranged during childhood and involve a payment fo money from the family of the groom to the family of the bride. The bride also receives a dowry from her family. It is common for an unhappy wife to elope and then negotiate a divorce with her husband for a divorce.
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