An introduction about the culture of chitral by the students of SZABIST University Islamabad.

1. Chitrali Culture Presented by: Tanveer Nawaz Waqas Ali Muluk Irfanuddin Baba

2. Geography: How to get there? Chitral or Chetrar translated as field in the native language Khowar, is the capital of the Chitral District, situated on the western bank of the Kunar River (also called Chitral River), in Pakistan. The easiest access to Chitral is in the southwest along the Chitral or Kunar Valley towards Jalalabad. This route is open all year and provides direct access to Kabul. However the Pakistan–Afghanistan border (Durand Line) prevents this being used as an internal route to Peshawar and the south.

3. How to get there? Through Afghanistan Through Gilgit Through Dir in Khyber Pakhtunkhawa. By air via Islamabad and Peshawar.

4. Religion 97% of the population are followers of Islam, with majority being Sunni and about forty percent Shia Imami Ismaili. Although the Kalash Tribes are said to be Atheists.

8. Marriage

10. GaliBotaik(The Engagement)

11. Phatak or Ishperi(Giving meal to villagers)

12. Nikah and Maher

13. RuzayoAngeik(Marriage)

14. Xheri (Celebration)

15. Ishtok (Musical Programme)

16. Koli Bar (Stuff brought from bride’s house)

17. GhechiNaik(Taking back bride to her parental place) Marriage

22. Bi Nisik (Taking the seed to agricultural land)

23. Phin Dik ( When the crop is almost ready)

24. Yar Doi ( gathering the villagers to cut the crops)

25. Dai Dik ( gathering the cutted crops)

27. This is celebrated on 21st march each year. It is a religious festival, this is celebrated in the memory of a sufi saint named Peer Nasir Khisraw who is held to be responsible of Ismaili faith in this region.

28. Shandoor Polo Festival

29. This is celebrated from 7th to 9th july annually. Polo matches are oraganised between the polo teams of chitral and gilgit.

30. Jashn-e-Broghil

34. Persian

35. Wekhik War

36. Pushto

37. Kalash War3. Languages

39. The house hall is divided into different sections to be used for different purpose.

40. Just above the bukhari (fire place) traditional Central Asian style Risen (chimney/holes) are prepared for ventilation and light.

41. On the roof a Mara (small store previously used to store fruits) and a verandah type shelter is made.4. Traditional House

43. Nowadays houses are made for cements and bricks equipped with all modern facilities.

44. The traditional house after modifications in its structure is used as main hall where the family members sit together.

45. Separate rooms are now constructed for sleeping purposes. The

46. kitchen has been now separated from the main hall. Contd.

49. Majority of people were producing buckwheat and barley to prepare bread.

50. During summer people were storing food items so to be consumed during winter.

51. Bread, Dairy products and Soup were the main sources of food.5. Cuisine

52. Contd. Although some of the traditional dishes include: Pandir (Cheese) Pandir Muzhi: Cheese and crushed walnuts kernel sandwiched between the layers of wheat dough and cooked in a mini size stell oven in low heat. Zholai: Same as Pandir Muzhi but only crushed walnuts are crushed. PushorTiki: Pieces of fatrich mutton sandwiched between layers of wheat dough and cooked in ashes after cover it with frying pan. Kali: A variety of cour prepared from minced meat, wheat flour and number of delectable local spices. Kawirogh: Flowers of a local wild plant are collected and processed in the heat of sun dried which is then cooked with meat without any other seasoning but salt. It is said to remedy for many diseases. Lazhek: Fat rich mutton is cooked formerly in large clay pots with crushed wheat grain, Nutrious, delicious and wholesome.

54. Music is played during different celebrations and events.

55. Some of the musical instruments include:Sitar Dol Sunai (Local Trumpet) Damama (Chitrali Tabla) Beru (Flute) Gharba (Rubab) 6. Music

56. Some of the famous tunes and rhythms are: Shishtu War (Mostly played for Bride’s Family Members Suchi (Played for Groom and his family members and close friends) Barwazi (A local long coat is wore in a proper rhythm while dancing) Dani (Few people in a village are trained to dance on this rhythm) Contd.

59. Embroidery has a great place in the culture, it shows the uniqueness to any cultural entity.

60. During old times the mothers were giving trainings to their daughter in embroidery works.

61. With commercialization many women prepare different handicraft products and sale in local markets.7. Handicraft

62. The people of Chitral wear simple dress consisting of shirts, trousers and home spun cap during summer season. ShalwarKameez Kapur (Chitrali Cap) Shoqa (long woolen coat) GirwanBazuri (Traditional women dress) Kalash Dress 8. Dress

66. www.pamirtimes.net

67. www.wtca.com

68. Chitral Tour Guide Book by Prof. Rakhmat Karim BaigReferences