A number of foreign tourists including French and Australian families have arrived in Chitral to enjoy Chilimjusht to be held on May 14. The French and Australian tourist families visited the Tourist Information Centre (TIC) in Chitral, where they were briefed on the local culture, traditions, tourist attractions and various festivals in the scenic valleys of the district.
The TIC official Zarin Khan briefed the visiting foreign tourists on the culture, traditions, tourist attractions, and religious rites, particularly the upcoming Chilimjusht or Joshi Festival. They were told that the Chilimjusht festival would be held simultaneously at the three Kalash valleys of Bamburet, Birir and Rumbur. It marks the arrival of spring and summer seasons and provides an opportunity to the visitors to witness the lifestyle of the Kalash people.
Preparations for the upcoming Joshi festival are in full swing as the local people have launched the cleanliness drive. Like the previous year, the Tourism Corporation Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (TCKP) has also established a tent village to facilitate the tourists in the scenic Kalash valley. The tourists were informed that this year the local people were very enthusiastic and were impatiently waiting for the festival to celebrate it in a befitting manner. They have started a cleanliness campaign well before the commencement of the event.
The official said that Kalash men and women were seen shopping for the festival in the Chitral bazaar while in the valleys they were busy preparing traditional dresses for the festival. The tourists evinced keen interest in the local culture, traditions and praised the TCKP for its endeavors for the promotion of tourism in the scenic valleys. They also registered their comments into the visitors' book.
The people of Kalash celebrate the festival while dancing to the traditional music and drumbeats. They thank god Goshidai as they believe it protects their herds during spring and summer seasons.