CHITRAL: Due to the lack of rainfall over the past three months in the local valley, the autumn colour season has been extended by a month. The leaves of various tree species continue to adorn the valley, creating spectacular and eye-catching views.

Tourists are reportedly arriving here in greater numbers than ever before to enjoy the fascinating scenes of the autumn colours, as the magnificent valleys of the region are known for particular species of trees radiating vibrant hues.

In Upper Chitral, the villages of Booni, Awi, and Mastuj along the Yarkhoon River, and Terich, Rech, Khot, and Raeen along the Mulkhow River valley, are particularly known for their stunning autumn scenery. Meanwhile, in Lower Chitral, the villages of Garam Chashma, Karimabad, and Susoom in the Lot Koh valley, as well as the Kalash valleys, are known for their spectacular autumn colours.

Professor Azhar Ali, a teacher of botany at a local college, said that the trees of local species such as poplar, apricot, and mulberry had a high density in certain villages, which created an attractive pattern.

He mentioned that the autumn season held a special place in the local culture, which was evident in its literature and poetry, where the season was abundantly described.

The autumn season, known as ‘chhan chhori’, had romantic connotations in the local folk literature.

Mr Ali said that most people of different age groups preferred to be attired in yellow and orange colours for the season, which showed their attachment to the autumn season, while sports events were also held in almost every village of the valleys to celebrate the season.

Published in Dawn, November 30th, 2024