CHITRAL: Preparations are being finalised to hold the famous cultural festival “Chilimjusht” in the scenic Kalash valleys from May 12 to 16 in a befitting manner.
“Yes, all arrangements are in a final stage in all three valleys of Bamburet, Rambur and Birir valleys,” said an official of the district administration.
Officials said that a comprehensive security plan has been finalised to maintain law and order during the festival. They said that additional police personnel, tourism police, and security officials will be deployed at entry points, hotels, key public places, and festival venues.
Special information and facilitation desks would also be established to guide local and foreign tourists.
Law enforcement agencies have intensified search operations and patrols across the region to ensure a safe and peaceful environment for visitors attending the celebrations.
However, the hotel owners and people associated with the tourism sectors have expressed concern over the low number of tourist bookings this year. Hotel owners, tour operators, and local businesspeople said that, unlike previous years, hotels and guest houses remain largely unbooked just days before the festival.
They attributed the decline in tourism activity to the country’s current economic challenges, rising inflation, increased travel costs, and uncertainty in the overall situation.
According to hotel owners, in previous years accommodations used to be fully booked weeks before the festival, but this year the response has been unusually slow.
Local traders and shopkeepers fear that reduced tourist arrivals could badly affect the region’s economy, as the Chilimjusht Festival serves as a major source of income for the Kalash valleys.
Every year, thousands of domestic and international tourists visit Chitral to witness the unique cultural celebrations, benefiting the hospitality, transport, handicrafts, and traditional clothing sectors.
Community elders and tourism representatives have urged the government to introduce special measures to promote the Kalash festival, restore tourist confidence, improve travel facilities, and offer discounted travel packages for local and foreign visitors.
A traditional and religious festival of the Kalash community, Chilimjusht is celebrated annually to welcome spring and pray for prosperity and happiness. Traditional dances, folk music, cultural rituals, and prayer ceremonies remain the main attractions of the event.
