SOCIO-CULTURAL DIMENSIONS OF RELIGIOUS CONVERSION IN KALASH COMMUNITY DISTRICT CHITRAL

Abstract

Kafiristan, or the country of the black kafirs (The land of Kafirs), is a region east of the Hindu-Kush range that sits between Pakistan and Afghanistan, where the inhabitants practiced their religion and customs and lived in the three valleys of Bumbour, Bomboret, and Birrir. Oral traditions, hymns, legendary stories, and the specific dress styles they observe form the foundation of their faith. There is still ongoing resistance to any social change among the locals, and the residents are attempting to maintain and preserve their original cultural identity. Kalash people have distinct and unique cultural patterns, dresses, and traditions that effectively differentiate them from other tribes living in the same geographical area. The region's paganistic commonalities are the main attraction for anthropologists, historians, tourists, and archaeologists. The Kalasha rites were specifically designed to protect the purity of their people and valley from the polluted surroundings. In contrast to their genetic grading qualities of Muslims coexisting with them in their common geographical region, the oratory political life open continuously emphasizes that all Kalasha are impoverished and equal. The data for this study came from an MSc research survey of 110 households done in 2021-22 using anthropological methodologies such as participant observation, case studies, and in-depth interviews with 30-35 respondents (both male and female of age 15 and above the Krarkal, multhah, and Brunvillage of Bomburet Valley Kalash). A descriptive analysis of the data was carried out, which was well-supported by secondary data. As a result of the relationship analysis, the residents of the area have a distinct future in terms of attire, religion, culture, and even death and funerals. However, modifications have been noted in several aspects, indicating that the local culture is gradually becoming more open to change