Tourist influx casts shadow on Pakistan’s Kalash minority traditions

Numbering fewer than 4,000, the Kalash are among Pakistan’s smallest minorities, but have an outsize reputation in the country for unique traditions.

Villages in the Hindu Kush mountain region of northern Pakistan recently welcomed spring with four days of colourful dance and worship rituals.

But the ancient celebration known as Chilam Joshi also attracted huge numbers of domestic tourists with their cameras and gazes, distressing many Kalash who say the attention makes them feel like animals in a “zoo”.