Four Seasons in Chitral

In this article, I will try my best to introduce you to the four seasons in Chitral. I will also try to highlight the activities people used to do as well as the evolution of the happenings. A season is basically a period of the year characterized by specific weather patterns, temperature changes, and daylight hours. Since there hasn’t been the availability of clocks and calendars in the ancient Chitral. That’s why people were dependent on seasons for major purposes and months and days for minor planning and reasons. Anyhow, there are four main seasons: spring, summer, fall (autumn), and winter. In the Khowar language, they are Bosun, Grishpo, Shoro, and, Yomun.

• Bosun means spring
• Grishpo means summer
• Shoro means autumn
• Yomun means winter

Bosun (spring) is the season between winter and summer, which one can identify by temperatures and the blooming of plants and flowers. Grishpo (summer) is the warmest season of the year, known for long days and hot temperatures. Shoro (autumn) is the season between summer and winter, characterized by cooler temperatures and the changing colors of leaves on trees. Yomun (winter) is the coldest season of the year, which one can identify by shorter days and colder temperatures.

All four seasons of Chitral have their own unique features and characteristics. Let me give you a brief introduction to each of them one by one.

Bosun (spring)

The days become longer and the temperatures begin to warm up. The trees and flowers start to bloom, and the weather becomes milder. People wait for the appearance of greenery on the ground and search for hope of life once again.

As the last traces of snow melt away from the mountaintops in Chitral, a gentle breeze carries the sweet scent of blooming flowers and fresh grass. The warm sun shines down upon the lush green valleys, bringing new life to the land. The sound of flowing streams and chirping birds fill the air as farmers make their way to their fields, ready to begin the season of planting and cultivation. The cattle, once confined to the high ground, now graze freely in the lower-level pastures. Their soft mooing adds to the melody of the season. As the world awakens from its winter slumber. So do the hearts of those who call these rural and mountainous areas home. They are ready to embrace the joys of spring and the promise of new beginnings.

And amidst this serene beauty, nothing is more romantic than witnessing the cycle of life unfold, as nature reminds us of the endless possibilities of love and growth. You will find nobody resting in the home but working outside to explore un-snowed land. Male members work hard with their steel tools making the land fit for farming. At the same time, one can observe female members especially the mother and grandmother appears with traditional bread and salted tea. In short, every family member is busy doing something lively and progressive.

Grishpo (summer)

In this season the days are the longest and the temperatures are the hottest. The weather is often sunny and dry. This is the most attractive of all the four seasons in Chitral because Khow people mostly experience chilly temperatures.

As the scorching sun rises high in the sky. The rural and mountainous areas of Chitral come to life with the vibrancy of summer. The warm breeze carries the fragrance of ripe fruits and flowers, as farmers toil under the intense heat to prepare their fields for the upcoming harvest. The sound of laughter and music fills the air as the locals celebrate marriages and attend various festivals. The days are long and filled with work. However, as the sun sets, the warmth of the day gives way to the coolness of the night. Now the sky transforms into a canvas of stars which the people enjoy sitting outside the houses. Every house used to have a large sitting place out of the Ratheni to enjoy the open sky and fresh air. They call it Takht made from wood and traditional Qaleen on it.

It’s a time of joy and celebration, as the community comes together to share in the abundance of the season. And amongst all this beauty, there’s nothing more romantic than seeing two souls. Hand in hand, walking in the fields, savoring the sweet taste of summer fruits. Basking in the warmth of each other’s love. I mean the newly married couple. As the season draws to a close, the land begins to prepare for the coming of fall, but the memories of summer linger on, a reminder of the magic of love and the beauty of life in rural and mountainous areas like Chitral.

Shoro (autumn)

At the start of Shoro, the leaves on the trees change color and fall to the ground, the days become shorter and the temperatures cooler. This is a little bit harsh among all the four seasons in Chitral because the struggle of people is at its peak in preparation for winter.

This is a magical time of year in rural and mountainous areas like Chitral, where the beauty of nature is on full display. As well as the air is filled with the crisp scent of falling leaves. Where the summer heat fades away, the locals gear up for the harvest season. They gather the fruits of their labor and store them for the cold winter months ahead.

The fields are buzzing with activity, as farmers work tirelessly to bring in the last of the crops before the first snowfall. The sound of the traditional Chitrali watermill echoes in the valley. The grains are ground into flour, a precious commodity for the long winter ahead. The locals store wood for heating, and food and fruits for sustenance. Because they prepare for the challenges that winter may bring.

Khow people gather around the warmth of the fire, sharing stories, laughter, and good food. The bonds of friendship and family grow stronger during this season. The reason is people come together to celebrate the harvest and prepare for the winter ahead. They call it Yardoye. Khow supports each other in their works to collect edibles for winter. Domestic animals graze on the lush grasses, while the free cattle return to their winter shelters, safe from the harsh weather.

As the beauty of autumn fades into the starkness of winter, the warmth of human connection remains. The love and warmth shared between couples grow stronger, reminding us that in the face of hardship, it is the simple pleasures of life and the warmth of human connection that sustains us.

Yomun (winter)

This is the last season of all four seasons in Chitral. In this season the days are the shortest and the temperatures are the coldest. Snow and ice are common weather conditions during this season.

Winter in rural and mountainous areas like Chitral is a time of harsh weather and freezing temperatures.  That can last for several months depending on the nature of the weather. During this time, local people are often confined to their homes. The places are stocked with the food and supplies they have collected throughout the year.

To stay warm and healthy, they cook traditional foods that are known for their warmth and nourishment. Famous foods like Shoshp, Sanabachi, Leganu, Mul, Lazhek, Cheer Grinj, and many others. These foods are prominent in every house whether poor or rich. These dishes are often made from the grains and meats that have been harvested and stored in the months leading up to winter.

Taking care of animals is also a priority during this time. The harsh weather can be especially challenging for livestock. So locals ensure that their animals have enough food to eat and warm shelter to protect them from the cold. local people provide Mirghinz to goats and sheep in the winter season. Winter is the coolest one among all the four seasons in Chitral.

Despite the challenges of winter, there is a sense of resilience and strength in the communities of Chitral. As they wait for the coming of spring, locals support each other and find comfort in their shared experiences. And when the first signs of spring appear, there is a sense of hope and renewal that brings joy. Pleasure reappears to all who have weathered the long, cold winter months.

Click here to read about the geography of Khowar.

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