Kalash culture is unique and is protected and practiced imperatively by Kalash people, yet it became prey to extinction. One of the primary reasons for this tragedy is the lack of solidity of religion in the region, which resulted in many of the inhabitants to convert to Islam or embrace other beliefs. Though now it’s practiced by a few numbers, but the distinctive and vibrant culture still manages to invite anyone who is always eager to learn about places and people.

Religion:

The indigenous tribe of Asia is either atheists, polytheists or animists. Some names of the Gods that they worship are;  Yama Raja also called Dezau, Khodai who is the creator deity, the Balumain who is the cultural hero, Destak, Munjem, and  Dezalik. The ethnonational group is particular about their religion and do not allow the converts to be a part of their community after their conversion to Islam or other belief. This remote community has made its culture its religion and follow it sincerely.

Language:

The local language, Kalasha, is a Dardic language (a sub-group of Indo-Aryan languages spoken in Northern Pakistan, eastern Afghanistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir). The language is spoken by a handful of people approximately 5000 and is considered to be critically endangered by UNESCO. The Kalasha language exists without a proper script; however, certain efforts are being made in introducing a formal script.

Music:

If there is anything after their culture that the Kalash tribe has always stuck to, then that is music. Kalash has shown an unwavering commitment to music that they do not abandon music even at the death.

Rituals and Customs:

• Death as a celebration:

There is a local proverb ‘When a Kalash is buried, his wealth is dug out, and when he is alive, his wealth is buried.’ In Kalash, death is a celebration. They sing and dance around the bodies of their loved ones for two to three days before burying them in a coffin and offer a feast with a sacrifice of 30 to 40 goats to guests who come to celebrate (not mourn) the death. The Kalash used to leave bodies in the graveyard without burying them, but now they have started burying them.

• Secluded House for Women:

Basheleni is a secluded house in Kalash for women during menstruation and childbirth because they are considered impure during this time. Basheleni is a maternity home built away from the main houses and no men are allowed to enter it or even touch its walls or doors. Their families give them food, but no one touches them during their stay in the Basheleni.

• Wife Elopement:

Wife elopement is considered to be one of the great customs of the people of Kalash. Man can only marry a woman if he pays an amount to the woman’s family. The practice is also common amongst women who are already married to a man and wished to marry some other man. In this case, the man has to pay the double of what the first husband paid.

 

Lifestyle:

The women of Kalash dress in long black loose robes with colorful embroideries and cowrie shells. Colors in their attire and jewelry is an integral part of their personality and culture. These women are also found wearing colorful beads and necklaces  The males of the Kalash, on the contrary, have adopted the Pakistani national dress, i.e., the Shalwar Kameez.