Chitral (The fairyland of Pakistan)

Chitral (Peristan-fairyland) of Pakistan

Chitral is situated in the province KPK (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) and is the largest area of this province covering almost 15000 km2. It is the northernmost district of Pakistan which borders with Gilgit-Baltistan. Chitral is counted amongst the highest regions of the world, sweeping from 1,094 meters at Arandu to 7,726 meters at Tirichmir, and packing over 40 peaks more than 6,100 meters in height. The district has a population of about 414,000. The general population is mainly of the Kho people, who speak the Khowar, which is also spoken in parts of Yasin, Gilgit, Dir and Swat. Chitral is also home to the Kalash tribe, who live in Bamburet and two other remote valleys southwest of Chitral town.

 

Famous food of Chitral

(Pilaf) usually of beef which is preboiled until it is extremely tender is an essential dish at large gathering and the meat is served lying on top of the rice. Salty buttered tea is popular in Chitral as is green tea and very bitter black tea called Troq chai (sour tea) Honey, cheese and fresh fruits also make up a staple part of the Chitrali diet as these products are part of the local mountain agricultural tradition. The influence of Punjab is seen in the popularity of lamb and chicken karahi. Uzbek dumplings or mantu are also very popular. Dried apricots (chamber) and mulberries (kitori) are both an important part of the local diet and are also exported to other parts of Pakistan, Afghanistan and Arab states of Persian Gulf.

Chitrali clothing

The people of Chitral have their own traditional dress, embroider by their owns elves. The people of Chitral mostly wear Shalwar Kameez which is the national dress of Pakistan. Women wear Dupattas and shawls along with shalwar kameez. The most popular headdress of Chitrali men is the woolen Pakhol.” In winters, men wear long baggy coats having long sleeves known as the shuqa. These coats are also made out of wool. While the women also use some embroidery caps mainly in winter season, the local language it’s called as khoi.

Chitral sports

Traditional sport of Chitral is polo. World’s highest polo ground (Shandur) is also located in this area, where the annual polo festival takes place between July 7-9. This cultural integrity became an icon and attracts people especially tourists from all over the world. Chitral is recognized as a very peace Preserving culture of Chitral full region in Pakistan as well as in the world.