Kalash winter festival concludes in Chitral with unique snow golf tradition
Kalash winter sports festival in Chitral concludes with traditional snow golf contest. Winning team captain becomes “one-day king,” celebrating a centuries-old cultural tradition.
CHITRAL (Web Desk) - Cultural winter sports competitions in the scenic Kalash Valley of Chitral have concluded, featuring traditional local games such as Antu Dek, tug of war, traditional kabaddi and snow golf.
The most unique sport in the Kalash winter festival is snow golf, locally known as “Krak Gaar.”
The game resembles the traditional gilli-danda style but requires players to strike a ball using a stick. It is played exclusively on snow.
Each village fields its own team in the snow golf competition. Players often run up to five kilometers chasing the ball during the match.
The team that first completes 12 goals is declared the winner.
The most fascinating part of the event begins after the match concludes.
According to local tradition, the captain of the winning team is granted the title of “Mehtar” and becomes the ruler of the tribe for one day.
Once the one-day king of Kalash is chosen, celebrations begin. Residents of the village gather to congratulate the newly declared king.
As part of the celebration, a bull and two goats are sacrificed, and a feast is prepared for guests.
A six-member security team is assigned to provide protocol and protection to the one-day king for 24 hours.
This tradition of appointing a king for a day is considered an ancient cultural practice.
During this time, the king holds full authority and the tribe follows his orders.
The one-day king is also provided accommodation, and visitors continue to arrive to meet him throughout the celebration.
This year as well, after the final snow golf match, a player from the winning team was crowned the one-day king to celebrate victory.
The closing ceremony of the winter festival was attended by the Deputy Commissioner of Lower Chitral, officials from the district sports department, and a large number of tourists. Visitors also met the newly selected king and enjoyed the traditional victory celebrations.
The district administration of Chitral stated that these winter sports are not only part of centuries-old traditions but also a unique identity of the valley.
Authorities believe such events should receive greater promotion to preserve cultural heritage and boost tourism.
The Kalash Valley celebrates four religious festivals every year, attracting both domestic and international tourists to the region.
