Analyzing Customary Law of Marriage and Family Practices of the Kalash Community in District Chitral Lower of Pakistan: Need for a Proper Legislation

Abstract

The Kalash community, residing in the District Chitral Lower of Pakistan, is renowned for its unique cultural heritage, particularly its distinctive marriage customs and family practices. Love, arranged and elopement marriages are commonly found in the Kalash community. Love marriage is one of the important and most common types of marriage in the Kalash community. The way of living of Kalash community is distinct and their cultural practices are unique at the world level. Their women have complete freedom to choose their life partners. Nevertheless, no proper legislation is carried out by the government in order to codify the distinct marriage practices of the people of Kalash for the reason to give a legal cover to its customs. This research paper provides an in-depth overview of these traditions, which are deeply rooted in the community's ancient beliefs and social structures. The paper emphasizes the urgent need for proper legislation and policy measures to preserve and protect these cultural practices from erosion. By documenting and analyzing the Kalash marriage and family systems, this research aims to contribute to the broader discourse on cultural preservation and the importance of safeguarding minority communities' heritage in Pakistan. The findings underscore the necessity of collaborative efforts between the government, local communities, and cultural organizations to ensure the survival and continuity of the Kalash way of life for future generations. In this research article, unique marriage customs and family practices of the Kalash community are discussed in detailed. Various distinct local terminologies are well defined. Different stages in marriage ceremony are highlighted. Need for proper legislation of preservation of such practices are also emphasized. Recommendations are also given for effective legislation and preservation of unique marriage customs and family practices of people of Kalash.

Keywords: Marriage, Customs, Kalash Culture, Chitral, Legislation, Janigrom, Alashing, Custody of Child, Polygamy, Dissolution Of Marriage.