Chitral

CHITRAL 

INTRODUCTION TO CHITRAL:

CHITRAL is undoubtedly the most romantic, captivating and enchanting place in the majestic Hindukush Range. It is a mountainous area in the extreme north of Pakistan. The landscape of Chitral is extremely mysterious with its steep harsh mountains, lush green valleys, beautiful meadows and big glaciers which have made it one of the most difficult and inaccessible areas of the world. Chitral is divided into small valleys by the mighty Hindukush range. The highest peak in this range is Terichmir, which lies at a height of 25,263 feet, just 36 miles away from Chitral town. It is also called the palace of fairies. No mountain in the region is less than 4,000 feet and over 40 peaks have an altitude of 20,000 ft. Chitral is surrounded by the Wakhan, Badkhshan, Asmar and Nooristan provinces of Afghanistan in the north, west and southwest. On its southern boundary lies the upper district of Dir, while in the east is Gilgit-Baltistan and in the southeast the valley of Swat and Kohistan district.

The valley of Chitral lies at an elevation of 4,900 ft from the sea level. The total area of Chitral is 14,850 sq km and the area situated between 35 & 37 N and 71 22 and 74 E. The total population of Chitral was 318,689 according to 1998 census. The weather in Chitral is extremely harsh and cold in winter while the summer it is very pleasant. There are certain famous places and valleys in Chitral like Garam Chashma valley, Booni, Golen valley, Yarkhun valley, Madaklasht valley, Arandu, Birir, Rumbur and Bumburate which can be called certainly as paradise on earth. The latter three valleys are the Kalash valleys which are the repository of one of the unique cultures and mysterious histories of the world. This culture is certainly the residuary of the pre-historic age. To the local people it is Chetrar, while for the ancient people and others it is Qashqar or Kashqar.

The people of Chitral are called Khow with a great ethnic diversity. In the pages of history, Chitral was known as an independent princely state. After the independence, Chitral was the first state to declare accession to Pakistan. In 1970, it was declared as district of Pakistan and attached to the Malakand Division. It lies at the junction of old Chinese Empire, Indian Empire, the ex-Russian Empire and Afghan kingdom. It came under the consideration of British Empire when after feeling the sense of Russian danger, the British government of India sought new friends in mountainous range and the tribal belt. Then Major John Bidulph visited the country in 1876 and reported to the government of India about the utility of Chitral. So friendship between the British and Chitral started which resulted in the famous Chitral incident of 1895.

SHORT HISTORY:

Nothing definitive is recorded about the town's first settlers. In the 3rd century CE, Kanishka, the Buddhist ruler of the Kushan empire, occupied Chitral. In the 4th century, the Chinese overran the valley. Raees rule over Chitral began in 1320 and came to an end in the 15th century. From 1571 onwards Chitral was the dominion of the Kator Dynasty until 1969.

The entire region that now forms the Chitral District was a fully independent monarchy until 1895, when the British negotiated a subsidiary alliance with its hereditary ruler, the Mehtar, under which Chitral became a princely state, still sovereign but subject to the suzerainty of the British Raj. Chitral retained a similar status even after its accession to Pakistan in 1969, but was completely incorporated into Pakistan and became an administrative district of Pakistan in 1969.

GEOGRAPHY:

The city has an average elevation of 1,500 m (4,921 ft).

LANGUAGE:

According to 1981 census, Khowar is main language and spoken by 98% of population while Pashto is spoken by small population.

ADMINISTRATION:

Chitral is represented in the National Assembly and Provincial Assembly by one elected MNA and one elected MPA.

FESTIVALS:

Chitral being situated in the northern most corner of Pakistan remains cut off from rest of the country in winter season for about 5 months but it does not shake the warmness of the heart of the people. They need no reason to celebrate which can be acknowledged by the different colorful festivals portraying unique culture and way of life of the people of Chitral.

After long severe winters, the arrival of spring is celebrated on 21 March by Ismailis called Navroz with great enthusiasm and zeal.

The three Kalash valleys of Bumburate, Birir and Rumbur celebrate the Joshi festival in mid-May. Joshi is a four day festival and the most unique part of the festival is announcing the chosen life partner. This festival has been a great attraction to tourists around the world.

The adventurous Shandur polo match is held in July every year at the highest polo ground of the earth followed by traditional music which adds remarkable credit to the event. This is not the only sport event but Jashn-e-Chitral- a week-long festival celebrated in mid-September every year, and Boroghol Festival in July also features different events including swimming across torrential rivers, rock climbing, wild mountain polo , horse races and BuzKashi, yak race and yak polo, traditional wrestling and tug of war, shot puts as well as traditional dancing and singing.

No festival is complete without music and sports activity in it. It doesn’t require any age limit to be a part of celebration because people of Chitral are sportsmen at heart.

People meet at these festivals and renew acquaintances. All the participants and spectators cheer and celebrate together. The festivals play an important role to keep the traditions intact as they bring together musicians, sportsmen and local residents to represent their culture and exhibit their strong connection with each other.

Chitral has an enormous potential of tourism ranging from cultural and heritage to hiking and ecotourism. Tourism potential in Chitral is no secret and the beautiful landscape and the unique cultural heritage give the valley a competitive advantage in attracting tourists.

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