MINGORA, June 26: Kalam valley in Swat district is famous for its natural beauty, clean river, streams and waterfalls, lush green spots and forests and thus, attracting local and foreign tourists.

Beside the people of the valley have preserved some traditions since long, which is also an attractive aspect for those who come to enjoy the nature in Kalam.

For instance, graves in Sindh and Balochistan are unique with their orientation from south to north. These graves are constructed in buff sandstone and their carved decoration presents superb craftsmanship.

Similarly in Kalam, traditional graves are also attractive in their nature and design. These graves are covered with wooden grilles, which are usually shaped in a way to draw the attention of people.

Shirzada, 55-year-old resident of Kalam Bazaar, told Dawn that it had been a local tradition for time unknown that the people covered graves with wooden grilles.

“We are doing so to protect graves from being destroyed by animals. Most of the locals are cattle farmers due to green pastures in the valley and the cattle harm graves if they are not properly protected,” he said.

Mr Shirzada said there were forests on a large scale in the valley but the people couldn’t afford to build wooden grilles around the graves of their beloved ones.

Another local resident, Ameer Zeb, 25, said nobody knew exactly how old the tradition was but he had heard from his elders that the tradition had begun around 150 years ago.

He said covering wooden graves by grilles were meant to protect them from animals, including sheep, goats and dogs.