Keeping it alive: KP government launches project to preserve Kalash Valley's ancient heritage

Dunya News

The project worth Rs. 60 million aims to preserve the 700-year-old ancient culture of the Kalash Valley in Chitral. Photo: Dunya News

(Dunya News) – The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has initiated a project worth Rs. 60 million for the preservation of the 700-year-old ancient culture of the Kalash Valley in Chitral, which until lately was at risk of extinction.

The Kalash Valley is rich not just with natural beauty but also with unique culture and traditions that date centuries back.


Kalash

The centuries-old heritage was at risk of extinction. Photo: Dunya news


Under the KP government’s project of preservation, ancient houses in the valleys of Bamboret, Rambor and Bareer, reflecting the Kalash culture, will be bought and mainatined.

According to Nawaz ud Din, an archaeological expert, the houses will be bought under the project in various valleys in a bid to preserve the local heritage of the region.


Kalash

Under the KP government’s project, ancient houses in the valleys of Bamboret, Rambor and Bareer will be bought and preserved. Photo: Dunya News


A new graveyard site for the Kalash people has also been bought. According to their centuries-old tradition, the people of Kalash would leave the dead above the ground – the remains of which are still visible. As per the ancient tradition, the dead would be dressed in their clothes, with women adorned with their jewellery, and laid in wooden coffins above the ground.


Kalash

According to their centuries-old tradition, the people of Kalash leave the dead above the ground in wooden coffins. Photo: Dunya News


Kalash is one of the most ancient cultures of not just Pakistan but the world. The KP government’s initiative hopes to keep this ancient and rich culture alive.


Kalash

The Kalash Valley is rich not just with natural beauty but also with unique traditions that date centuries back. Photo: Dunya News


For more on this, watch a report by Dunya News below.