Chawmos/ Choimus/ Chiltomas (21.12.2025)-Rohit Kumar Parmar
- rohitkparmar
- 2 hours ago
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Chawmos/ Choimus/ Chiltomas
(21.12.2025)
-Rohit Kumar Parmar [1]
Chawmos or Choimus or Chiltomas is a festival of Kalash or Kalasha or Kalash Kafir, an indigenous ethnic group/ tribe residing in the North-Western valleys of Birir, Bumburet, and Rumbore, Chitral District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan.
The Kalash people, around 3,500 in number, speak Kalasha-mun, and are known for their polytheistic religion, unique culture, language, and matriarchal traditions, setting them apart from the surrounding Islamic communities.
Kalash women with fair complexion and light coloured eyes, are beautiful.
Kalash are often called `Black Kafirs’, because of their traditional black robes and ancient, animistic beliefs tied to nature, making them a living link to ancient Indo-Aryan traditions. `Kafir’ a word, primarily used in Islam, means `non-believer’ and refers to non-Muslims.
Their tradition of observing the sun and stars (Suri Jagek) has been recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage. [2]
The Kalash community celebrates the festival to honour `Balmain’, a demigod. The Kalasha community follow their ancient religion, worshipping their ancestors and fire. The celebrations include ritual baths, animal sacrifices, dancing, chanting, and bonfires.
[1] Author, Economics, Law, Consumer Issues, Content Creator, Data Analysist, Performance Evaluator. Indian Economic Service, Senior Economic Adviser (Retired), Government of India, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and former Adviser (P 4) UNDP, Yemen has in posts
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