Traditional costumes of Kalash Women

Kalash – a valley in Chitral, northern western parts of Pakistan. Kalash valley is famous for beautiful natural scenes and amazing, colorful, attractive and traditional women costumes. It is situated near the border of Afghanistan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

The climate is commonly cold here. The summers are mild with temperatures range between 23°- 27 °C (73° - 81 °F). Winters, on the other hand, cold with temp range 2° - 1 °C (36° - 34 °F).

Women here wear woolen colorful dresses and a typical Kalash girl’s clothing reflects her mood, and significant of the occasion. The dresses are carefully crafted and prepared mostly during the winter season.

Dresses utilize beads, buttons and colored patches of clothes. Dresses appear to be pleasing, interesting and represents the social status of the bearer.

Process of accumulation of beads continue through out the life of the Kalash women. Gifts are given and taken in shape of beads. Elder women give beads to newly married girls as gifts and as a gesture of welcome.

Dress beads when given in marriage ceremony are considered to bring charm, prosperity and fertility in life for the newly married couple. Beads are also used as souvenirs and are gifted to guests and strangers as well.

Kalash valley is interesting enough to be traveled and enjoyed the local traditional costumes.