Monday, January 21, 2013

Kalasha: Happiest people in Pakistan? Sexually liberated women, colorful clothes and lots of festivals -- happiness comes easy to this animist tribe living in Chitral

Kalash-chitral-Pakistan-dance

The Kalasha are an animist tribe living near the Pakistan-Afghan border. Said to be descended from Alexander the Great's armies, they have been given government protection.

Kalash girls-happiest people-Pakistan


Festivals are a significant part of Kalasha life, where girls gather in groups to clasp each other to dance, stomp and shuffle.

Kalash valley-Kalash woman

A woman bends over a sewing machine to tend to one of the colorful dresses worn by the Kalasha.

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Kalasha men wear the Pakistani garb of shalwar khameez.

Kalash man-pluck chicken


Managing livestock is the main occupation of the Kalasha men.

Kalash valley-Kalash woman-peaceful

Despite being called "unbelievers" by some local Muslims, the Kalasha are generally left to themselves these days.

Kalash valley-Kalash woman-festivals

The three-day Joshi Spring Festival is one of the key events of the year.

Kalash homes-peaceful

Kalasha homes are built on top of each other, and roofs serve as both creative hub and play area.

Kalash-happiest people-cooking


Milling maize to make flatbread to be eaten with vegetable and goat curry, honey and tangy goat’s cheese, or tea, for a Kalasha style Continental breakfast.

Kalash-happiest people-festival


With a warm, caring, crime-free culture, could these be the happiest people in Pakistan?



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