CHITRAL, May 14: A new Jastakhan (dancing hall), equipped with modern facilities, was inaugurated in Rumbur valley of the district on the occasion of famous Kalash festival Chilim Jusht.  

Funded by the government of Norway, the dancing hall was constructed by Chitral Integrated Area Development Project (CIADP).

Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the Jastakhan here the other day, speakers said that the facility was most sought after by Kalash people as dance was a major component of their rituals.

DCO Rahmatullah Wazir, CIADP representatives Ziaur Rahman and Asfandyar Khan, Saifullah Kalash and chairman of Ayun and Valleys Development Programme Muhkamuddin addressed the ceremony.

They highlighted the efforts of CIADP for launching different schemes for amelioration of Kalash people.

“The CIADP has so far spent Rs14.6 million on different projects in the Kalash valleys of Bumburate and Rumbur, covering all sectors of development,” they said.

The speakers expressed satisfaction over prevalence of harmony between the Kalash and Muslim communities in Bumburate, Birir and Rumbur valleys.

They said that Kalash had always enjoyed peace in the valley that provided them with an opportunity of practicing their centuries-old customs and rituals.

After formal inauguration of the jastakhan, the Kalash damsels performed dance in the hall and enthralled the audience.— Correspondent