Kalasha Culture

The Kalasha people, an endangered language and culture community, now have dwindled to less then 4000 members. They are the last remaining ancient animist tribe who live in the wilderness of the northern Himalayan region of the Hindu Kush Mountains on the boarder of Pakistan with Afghanistan. The Kalasha people now live in three valleys - Rukmu, Mumuret & Biriu.

One legend says that the Greek god Dionysus, while on his journey to Indies, founded a settlement that soon became famous for its festivities and celebrations among the surrounding population and travelers. Another legend is that Alexander the Great passed through this region and made a Hellenic outpost here during his great expedition to the Far East in the 4th century B.C. Apparently the charm of scenery pervaded by the fragrance of grapes and flowers enchanted many of his soldiers including Alexander’s General Seleucus - known locally as Salakshah.

In Kalasha culture ecstasy, love, poetry, shamanism and all the spiritual feelings we relate to the Greek god Pan are still alive today. The Kalasha, like Pan and Dionysis, are also very fond of wine and dancing.

The details of these legends have never been accurately recorded. Like all Kalasha stories, they have been passed down from generation to generation by a great oral tradition.