Kalash Civilization and Culture in the Travelogue "Khwab Nagr Mein Saat Din"

سفرنامہ "خواب نگر میں سات دن" میں کلاشی تہذیب و ثقافت

Abstract

This study examines the travelogue "Khwaab Nagar Mein Saat Din" by Dr Syed Zubair Shah, focusing on the cultural and civilizational heritage of Chitral and Kalash valleys. The text explores the distinctive culture of the Kalash community, portraying it as an enigmatic world whose ancient traditions are juxtaposed with those of the surrounding Muslim population. Major seasonal festivals such as Joshi and Chomus are vital expressions of the community’s relationship with nature and spirituality, reinforcing collective identity. The travelogue documents cultural elements, including black attire, smoke-darkened houses, and the Bashali (menstrual house), reflecting simplicity, spirituality, and environmental harmony. It further examines customs of marriage, death rituals, and the relationship between Kalash and Muslim communities, marked by economic interdependence and religious tension. The work transcends travel writing, offering a reflective meditation on culture, nature, and human interconnectedness, preserving regional identity in Pakistani literature within contemporary South Asian literary cultural studies framework.

Conflict of Interest: The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest related to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article, and that the data presented have not been fabricated or falsified.

Funding: This research did not receive any specific grant or financial support from public, commercial, or not-for profit funding agencies.

Participant Consent: The authors confirm that Informed consent was obtained from all participants, and confidentiality was duly maintained.