Kalasha religion

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Kalasha religion
Kalasha dastur
Kalash women dancing during a Kalasha religious festival in Chitral, Pakistan.
TypeEthnic religion
ClassificationAnimistic
TheologyPolytheistic, Paganism
LanguageKalasha mun
Origin
Tsiam (mythical)
Chitral District, Pakistan
Number of followersc. 10,000 (1% of the total population of Chitral)[1]

Kalasha religion, Kalash religion or Kalash faith is a religion originating in the Chitral region of northwestern Pakistan.[2] Most of the Kalash people of Chitral follow it.[3] It is classified as a Polytheistic and Animistic religion that shares similarities with Vedic, pre-Zoroastrian and Hellenic cultures and even Islam.[4][5] The followers of this religion are known as Kalash or Kalashas and their cultural and religious practices as "Kalasha Dastoor".[6][7] Kalash ceremonies and traditions use altars that have many different names in the Kalasha language.[8][9]

The Kalash religion has likely been practised in Chitral for thousands of years. It is older than other religions such as Hinduism and Zoroastrianism.[10] It is considered an indigenous religion of Pakistan. The Kalash culture and belief system are very different from that of other ethnic groups surrounding them. The Kalasha has the strong concept for “Pure” and “Impure” in their life. Therefore, there are many rituals to purify the things that they believe are impure.[11] They believe in many Gods and Godesses and one supreme and creator deity called Dezau. Historians think Dezau is similar to Zeus of Ancient Greece.[12]

Kalash religion, mythology and rituals are similar to those of the Vedic Indo-Aryans and the pre-Zoroastrian cultures. Historians have compared Kalash mythology and folklore to that of ancient Greece. These historians also consider the Kalash pantheon as one of the last living representatives of the Indo-European religion.[13][14] Kalasha culture and tradition of Suri Jagek has been recognised as an Intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO since 2018.[15][16]

Beliefs[change | change source]

Deities[change | change source]

Depiction of deity Dezau (Imrá) in Kalash Altars.

The Kalashas are Polytheistic and believe in 12 main gods and goddesses dominated by the supreme creator deity "Dezau". Khodai, Dizaw and paida garaw are the words used by the Kalash to address God. All the Kalash prayers start with a phrase “Mul’awa ta deva” The word Mul’awa means "Lord", "owner" or "master". And deva means "spirit" or "alter".[17][8]

Every Kalash village has Altars dedicated to these gods and goddesses where sacrifices and rituals take place. Other Kalash Gods and Goddesses include Balumain, Sajigor, Krumai, Mahandeo, Saranji, Nirmali, Imra, Jestak and Dizane, Dizane is the great Mother Goddess of the Kalasha. Variants on her name are Disani, Disni, and she is also called Dezalik (“sister of Dezau”).[18][19]

Dezau[change | change source]

Dezau or Imrá is the supreme creator deity in Kalasha religion, he is also called with the Persian and Pastho term Khodai. The Kalasha term Dezau (ḍezáw) is derived from the Indo-European word *dheig'h which means 'to form' or 'to create'.[20][21] All other Gods and Godesses have been create by the supreme deity Dezau. Some Kalash people are monotheistics and only believe in a single, creative God, Dezau.[5]

Dizane[change | change source]

Kalash Kids in their traditional and religious costume.

Dizane is the great Mother Goddess of the Kalasha people. She is also known as Disani or Dezalik, she is associated with the Bashali, hearth, life force, and protection of children and women during childbirth. The sister-brother pairing of Dizane with Dezau, reflects a matriarchal pattern found in various cultures. The Giché, or new year festival, is dedicated to Dizane, and special observances occur during the Dizanedu holiday. The festival involves feasting, rejoicing, and a symbolic torchlight procession to honor the goddess. Dizane is also believed to take care of the wheat crop, and offerings are made to appease her or increase wheat-field yields, without the sacrifice of animals. Additionally, the men during Giché present a goat to Dizane with the birth of each son, although she oversees all births.[22][23]

Krumai[change | change source]

Krumai or Shumai, another goddess in the Kalasha tradition, lives on her sacred mountain Tirich Mir, which is also home to fairies. A shrine dedicated to her was established at Badáwan, where the Kalasha people used to offer goat sacrifices to deities and mountain fairies.[24]

Initially Krumai was seen as a male god by Robertson, he later recognized Krumai as female after seeing her effigy in a dancing house in Presungul. Despite being worshipped widely, Robertson observed no sacrifices made to her.[22]

According to a myth, Krumai, taking the form of a goat, came from Tirich Mir and mingled with other deities. Only Imrá recognized her true identity and slyly pushed her into a mountain-stream. Climbing out, Krumai left visible marks on the rock. Reaching the top, she showered stones on the gods below, annoying them. Imrá revealed Krumai's true form, and, upon her promise to behave, she transformed back and hosted a lavish banquet for the gods.[25][24]

Nirmali[change | change source]

Nirmali is another Kalash goddess, similar to Lucina from Ancient Rome. She looks after women and children, providing protection for women during childbirth. The women's retreats, known as 'pshars,' are particularly under her care. Nirmali is associated with the roots of the Sacred Tree, showing the earthy and female nature of these places, which the Kalash describe as pragata (Impure).[26]

Dezau's daughters[change | change source]

Dezau, also known as Imrá, not only created the gods and godesses, but he also created seven daughters. These daughters have a special role; they care for and safeguard agriculture. When it's time for planting seeds, people honor them by sacrificing goats. This ritual is performed to ensure abundant crops and the Earth's kindness.[26]

The Vetr (fairies)[change | change source]

Kalash women dancing in the Jastakhan (dancing hall).

The Kalash people believe in fairies called "Vetrs" in addition to their gods and goddesses. These fairies are thought to be present everywhere and need to be pleased for good millet crops. During a ceremony, a fire is lit in the crop's center, and offerings like juniper-cedar, ghee, and bread are made while reciting a ritual. No animals are sacrificed in this process. Alongside the fairy ceremony, special bread cakes are offered to Yush, the devil. Similarly, when invoking Dizane to protect or improve wheat, Yush must be appeased simultaneously, but no dances are performed for him.[22]

A powerful fairy named Charmo Vetr resides high up the Kutaringul stream. The Kam tribe regularly offer sacrifices to this fairy, receiving significant help in return against their enemies.[26]

There's another fairy living in the branches of a cedar tree with an Imrá stone. Offerings like cheese are left there, untouched because stealing from this tree is considered foolish. Mischievous fairies might disturb sacrifices, tear the priest's robes, or play tricks, but they are generally seen as more benevolent than malicious. The night before the Dizanedu festival, there's an annual dance dedicated to the fairies.[18]

A tale mentions female ancestors founding nations. Imrá, sitting on rocks where Kti and Presun rivers meet, made butter in a golden goat-skin churn. From the skin, three women emerged, populating different countries. Imra added water, creating a fourth woman who settled in Presungul.[26]

Onjesta and Pragata[change | change source]

Traditional architecture of the Kalash Altars and houses.

Onjesta and Pragata are dual spheres or domains in which the Kalasha society in divided in. Onjesta means "Pure," and Pragata means "Impure". In the Kalasha religion, they strongly believe in things being either pure or impure, so they have many rituals to purify what they think is impure. Kalasha women spend their time in bashali during menstruation because they are considered pragata (impure) in Kalasha dastoor (religion and tradition).[27]

According to Peter Parkes, In the onjesta domain, there are mountains, juniper, holly-oak, markhor, goat, honey bees, altars, stables, and men. In the pragata domain, there are lower valleys, onions, garlic, cattle, sheep, hens, eggs, Bashali (Menstrual house), graveyard, and women according to Kalasha dastoor (religion and tradition).[28][19]

Mountains are sacred because gods and fairies live there. Saras (juniper) which is pure, is vital in the onjesta category as it grows in high pastures, providing fuel and branches for purifying rituals. Bonj (holly-oak) is another sacred tree used in rituals. Both trees are considered pure (onjesta). In the Kalasha society, Markhor is seen as more pure, goats are considered strong and intelligent like men and women, and sheeps are seen as weaker and senseless.[19]

Bashali[change | change source]

An ancestral wooden statue of a woman sitting on a throne from Kalash Valleys, Pakistan.

Bashali or Menstrual house is a special place commonly found in every Kalash village. At puberty, every Kalasha girl goes to this place for her first menstrual period. During a ritual called tusulek, women in the bashali wash their hands, offer bread to Goddess Dezalik, pray for the girl's health, and share food from her home. A similar custom is observed when a woman gives birth.[29] The stay in bashali lasts five days for menstruation and twenty days after childbirth,[30] during which females are considered impure or pragata. Male relatives don't touch the mother or anything in the bashali during this time. A ritual called Achanbi is performed on the sixth day after childbirth.[27]

If a girl or woman dies in a bashali, she is buried in a specific corner of the graveyard, with only females participating in the burial ceremony. Children who die shortly after birth are buried in the bashali compound. Males entering the bashali face penalties, as it is strictly prohibited for them.[31] The bashali is purified twice a year, and the process involves naked girls running around with branches of holly oak, purifying the place with the smoke.[19]

The Bashali is made of timber and stones similar to traditional Kalasha houses, with one or two rooms and verandas. The design includes a fireplace, a platform for the goddess Dezalik, and no windows. Over time, some bashalis have undergone changes with improved conditions, including more rooms, bathrooms, and toilets. In some cases, bashalis have evolved into mother and child health care centers with better facilities.[19]

References[change | change source]

  1. ↑ "The myth about declining Kalash population". DAWN.COM. March 3, 2019.
  2. ↑ Cacopardo, Alberto; Cacopardo, Augusto (1989). "The Kalasha (Pakistan) Winter Solstice Festival". Ethnology. 28 (4): 317–329. doi:10.2307/3773537. ISSN 0014-1828.
  3. ↑ Rickett, Oscar (2011-04-16). "Culture Kalash in Pakistan". The Observer. ISSN 0029-7712. Retrieved 2024-01-06.
  4. ↑ Gov.pk. "RELIGION OF THE KALASH" (PDF). Pakistan Research Repository. Higher Education Commission.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Zaheer-ud-Din. "Muslim Impact on Religion and Culture of the Kalash" (PDF). Muslim Impact on Religion and Culture of the Kalash – via pu.edu.pk.
  6. ↑ Cacopardo, Alberto (1991). "The Other Kalasha A Survey of Kalashamun-Speaking People in Southern Chitral: Part I: The Eastern Area". East and West. 41 (1/4): 273–310. ISSN 0012-8376.
  7. ↑ Kashif Ali, Dr. Muhammad; Shabbir, Dr. Ghulam; and Chawla, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Iqbal (2021). "Library Sources Available on Pre-Islamic Religious Traditions of the Eastern Hindu Kush and on Shamanism among the Kalasha People". Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal). University of Nebraska: 5286.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 "Ka'l'as' (Kalasha)". The Kalasha Times. 2006-03-10. Retrieved 2024-01-06.
  9. ↑ Correspondent, The Newspaper's (2014-12-29). "Renovated Jasthakhan handed over to Kalash". DAWN.COM. Retrieved 2024-01-06.
  10. ↑ "SAGA OF SURVIVAL" (PDF). The Protection, Preservation and Promotion of Constitutional Rights of Indigenous Kalash People. National Commission For Human Rights.
  11. ↑ Loude, Jean Yves; Liever, Viviane (2017-06-18). Kalash Solstice. Ishi Press International. ISBN 978-4-87187-527-1.
  12. ↑ Naqvi, Feisal Hussein. "The Kalash Today" (PDF). Indiana Law Journal. 71:673. Indiana.edu: 688.
  13. ↑ "The origins of the Kalasha | The Express Tribune". tribune.com.pk. 2021-04-24. Retrieved 2024-01-06.
  14. ↑ Gill, Anam (2015-05-30). "Kalash: An odyssey of the heart". DAWN.COM. Retrieved 2024-01-06.
  15. ↑ "UNESCO Recognizes Tradition Of Pakistan's Pagan Kalash Tribe". Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty. 2018-12-01. Retrieved 2024-01-06.
  16. ↑ "UNESCO - Suri Jagek (observing the sun), traditional meteorological and astronomical practice based on the observation of the sun, moon and stars in reference to the local topography". ich.unesco.org. Retrieved 2024-01-06.
  17. ↑ "Kalash Valleys Chitral" (PDF). tourism.gov.pk. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2023-07-11. Retrieved 2024-01-07.
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 Maggi, Wynne (2001). Our Women are Free: Gender and Ethnicity in the Hindukush. University of Michigan Press. ISBN 978-0-472-06783-1.
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 19.2 19.3 19.4 Muhammad Kashif Ali, Muhammad Iqbal Chawla. "Socio-Cultural Life of the Kalasha People of Chitral: A Study of their Festivals" (PDF). Socio-Cultural Life of the Kalasha People of Chitral – via Mahraka.
  20. ↑ LLC, Arcadian Venture. "Cultures | Nuristani". Arcadian Venture LLC. Retrieved 2024-01-07.
  21. ↑ Witzel, Michael. "Kalash Religion". The Ṛgvedic Religious System and its Central Asian and Hindukush Antecedents. academia.edu.
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 22.2 Robertson, George Scott; McCormick, A. D. (Arthur David) (1896). The Káfirs of the Hindu-Kush. University of California Libraries. London : Lawrence & Bullen, ltd.
  23. ↑ Carbajo, Matilde (2021-10-29). "Casas menstruales y liminalidad en sociedades orales: el bashali de la cultura kalasha (Pakistán)". Complutum. 32 (2): 623–640. doi:10.5209/cmpl.78589. ISSN 1988-2327.
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 "Kalasha Religion". Manidvipa. Retrieved 2024-02-05.
  25. ↑ Cacopardo, Augusto (1991). "The Other Kalasha A Survey of Kalashamun-Speaking People in Southern Chitral: Part II: The Kalasha of Urtsun". East and West. 41 (1/4): 311–350. ISSN 0012-8376.
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 26.2 26.3 The Kafirs of the Hindu-Kush / / by Sir George Scott Robertson ; illustrated by A. D. Mccormick. Afghanistan Centre at Kabul University. 1896.
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 Kashif Ali, Muhammad (2020). "A Historical Narrative of the Bashali: The Menstrual House as Cultural Identity of the Kalasha Women of the Hindu Kush". A Historical Narrative of the Bashali: 205 – via Researchgate.net.
  28. ↑ Elizabeth Gillian Darling, “Merit Feasting among the Kalash Kafirs of North Western Pakistan” (M.A Thesis, The University of British Columbia, 1979), 142
  29. ↑ Irum Sheikh, Hafeez-ur-Rehman Chaudhry and Anwaar Mohyuddin (2014). "Religion as a Space for Kalash Identity: A Case Study of Village Bumburet in Kalash Valley, Chitral". World Applied Sciences Journal. 29.
  30. ↑ Birgitte Glavind Sperber, “Nature in the Kalasha Perception of Life,” in Bruun, Ole and Arne Kalland eds. Asian Perceptions of Nature: A Critical Approach (London: Routledge, 1995), 134.
  31. ↑ Danishwar, Mahmood (2006). Kafiristan: Chitral, Dir aur Swat ki Siahat (in Urdu). Lahore Book Home.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
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