The Kalash: Steeped in Tradition

The people of Kalash live within three major valleys that face the untamed river of Kunar: Bumburet, Rumbur and Birir.

The Kalash are a group of indigenous people who reside in the Chitral valleys. The Kalashi ethnic group are often described as incredibly hospitable and humble people with elaborate, unique lifestyles and traditions.

The houses are built on top of hills surrounding the valley, many of the traditional houses are built on top of one another.

The Birir Valley has houses, streets and pavements built from stones and wood.

Kalashi clothing is one of the most significant elements of their culture, made from Shu.

Shu is used in Kalashi dresses alongside silk, paired with beads and other items used in embroidery practices. Kalashi topi or Khalpol is an everyday clothing staple for the villagers.

Khalpol is intricately designed and is unique to each person, many local females design their own headgear.

It is also intricately designed differently for males and females. Khon or Chitrali shoes also distinguish Chitral from surrounding places as they are long, high and most suitable for bumpy lands and colder regions.  

The village has a male and a female elder also known as 'Qazi's'. Here we met the local 'Qazi' who described to us the various traditions of Kalash and their day-to-day life in the village.

A young Kalashi girl, playing near her house.

A Kalash Valley local making ropes for hanging clothes.

The people of Kalash specifically make walnut infused dishes: numerous kinds of walnut breads and walnut tea, which are commonly consumed in Kalashi households.

The walnut 'phulka' is a roti (flatbread) made from barley flour and crushed walnuts. 

First, the dough is prepared the regular way, as is made for basic rotis.

Once the dough is ready crushed walnuts are added in the middle of the dough and closed. 

The dough is then spread out in the round traditional shape of a roti (bread).

The roti is cooked on a tawa over a wood fire.

The local chef showing us the inside of the walnut bread.

Crushed walnut is added in hot boiling water to make walnut tea, as is shown being made here.

With the walnut bread, walnut tea is served as a typical meal for the Kalash people.

A Kalash lunch or dinner spread.