The Kalash people are a Pakistani ethnoreligious group. Having a population of only around 3500, they are one of the smallest ethnic groups in Pakistan.

Where do the Kalash people live?

The Kalash people live in the Kalasha valleys of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in Pakistan, bordering the Afghan province of Nuristan. The Nuristanis of that region are considered to be ethnically and culturally related to the Kalash.

Who are the Kalash people descended from?

The Kalash people believe themselves to be descended from Alexander the Great's troops. Some genetic evidence however, claims the contrary (while some affirms it). Other scientists claim that the Kalash people are purely South Asian.

How do the Kalash people identify religiously?

Roughly half of the Kalash people are mostly muslim, after historically being forcibly converted as result of Abdul Rahman Khan's rule. The rest are mostly practicioners of the polytheistic, animist Kalash religion

Kalash celebrations / Chilam Joshi

The Kalash people have three main festivals, listed and described below:

Chilam Joshi

Chilam Joshi (also called "milk day" or "yogurt drink day"). During Chilam Joshi, men and women meet in hopes of finding a spouse. This festival is celebrated with drums and dancing. In 2022, this festival was celebrated from 14 May - 18 May.

2. Uchau

Uchau is celebrated during summer to "thank nature for blessing [the Kalash people] with the harvest season". This festival will be celebrated in 2022 from August 20th to August 24th.

3. Chawmos

During this festival, the Kalash people chant to the Balmain spirit of the Kalash religion. The Kalash people feast, up until the community elders declare the new year. Once they have declared the new year, boys and girls divide and make a bonfire. In 2022, this festival will be celebrated from 16 December to 22 December.

Kalash Clothing

Kalash clothing is very vibrant, often characterized by it's bright designs on dark fabric.