Sindh Culture

FESTIVALS OF SINDH CULTURE
SINDH PROVIDENCE
Sindh, one of Pakistan's four provinces, is the second-largest and has Karachi as its
capital, the nation's most populous city. The province of Sindh is divided into
many districts and is bordered by the Sukkur Dam to the north, the Indus River and
Arabian Sea to the south, the Great Indian Desert (Thar) to the east, and the Kirthar
Mountain Range to the west. There are two seaports in Karachi that serve the
province of Sindh. Qaid-e-Azam International Airport, Pakistan's largest
international airport, is also located in Karachi.
ORIGIN OF THE NAME
The province of Sindh was named after the river Sindh (Indus), which literally
built it and has been its only source of nourishment. However, the significance of
the river and the near phonetic similarity in names would lead one to believe that
Sindhu is the probable origin of the name Sindh. Later phonetic modifications
changed Sindhu into Hindu in Pahlavi. The Greeks (who conquered Sindh in 125
B.C. under Alexander the Great's command) translated it as Indos,
hence modern Indus.
Sindh Providence
CULTURAL FESTIVALS
Sindhi festivals traditionally include Aekta Jo Dihaarro, Cheti Chand, Teejri,
Thadri, and Utraan. However, Sindhis also celebrate important Hindu festivals
such as Diwali, Holi, and Basant Panchami.
1. Aekta Jo Dihaarro (Sindhi Cultural Day)
Sindhi Cultural Day, also known as "Aekta Jo Dihaarro," is a well-known Sindhi
cultural celebration that is extensively observed with customary fervor to highlight
the centuries-old, rich culture of Sindh. The day is observed throughout Sindh and
among the Sindhi diaspora worldwide. Cultural Day is a day for celebration and
display of Sindhi culture. People from Sindh and the Sindhi diaspora throughout
the world commemorate this day to highlight the peaceful nature of Sindhi culture
and draw attention to the rich history and culture of Sindh.
On this joyous occasion, people congregate at Press Clubs and other locations in
all the main Sindh cities and organize literary gatherings, Mach Katchehri, musical
performances, seminars, lectures, and rallies. It also serves as a symbol of the
historic Indus Valley Civilization.
On the first Sunday in December each year, Sindhis worldwide commemorate
Sindhi Cultural Day. Ajrak and Sindhi Topi, traditional block-printed shawls, are
worn on this day, and demonstrations and musical performances are conducted in
various towns to fervently commemorate the anniversary.
2. Cheti Chand
The Sindhi New Year is observed each year in March or April to commemorate the
birth anniversary of Ishtadeva Uderolal Jhulelal (Jhoolelal), whom the Sindhis
regard as the reincarnation of Lord Varuna, the God of Water. Ships carrying
Sindhi merchants' goods to other regions have traversed the seas for centuries.
Therefore, water holds a special significance for Sindhis.
Most Sindhi sub-sects, like Shikarpuris, Sahitis, Larkanas, Sakhru, and Bhai
Bands, celebrate Cheti Chand in Jhulelal mandirs (tikanas) all over the country,
while Hyderabadi Amils celebrate it in gurudwaras, which are very similar to Sikh
gurudwaras.
3. Sagra (Sacred Thread)
Sindhi Bhaibands generally resided abroad, so their wives were always concerned
for their husbands' wellbeing. For this reason, on the four Mondays of the Sharwan
month, they fast. They then perform pooja, give out sweet rice, and have the priests
knot the sacred thread (Banbhan).
4. Teejri
Almost all Sindhi women celebrate Teejri, also known as "Sindhi Teej," during the
monsoon season. Teejri is comparable to Kajari Teej, Hariyali, and Karwa Chouth.
Sindhi women observe fasts on this day in memory of their loved ones and spend
the day performing traditional melodies. A special thali is prepared in the evening
and served to the moon along with an offering of "Argh," a meal composed of rice
and milk.
Teejri occurs in the month of Shrawan and often occurs on the third day following
the August full moon.
5. Akhan Teej
On this specific day, in the moonlight, fresh water is held in earthen pots, and
everyone is allowed to drink clean, fresh water. The purpose of this day is to
provide water to those who are thirsty. As a result, along with "prasad," the sharbat
is served to passersby in every nook and corner. It also contains chunks of an
apple. It is also usual to deliver fresh fruit and new earthen pots to gurdwaras and
priests on this day.
6. Janamashtami, Ram Navmi and Shivratri
On Janamashtami, bhajans and kirtan are held in temples until midnight because
Lord Krishna was born after midnight. Lord Rama's birthday is observed on Ram
Navmi. People consume "Thaadhal" on Shivratri, along with a small amount of
"bhang," after serving it in the Mahadev temple. Large pots of "Taahri" (sweet
rice) are cooked and served to everyone in the region.
7. Dassera
It used to be that a few days before Dassera there would be a Ramlila program,
which would be attended by hundreds of people. On the day of Dassera, the
brightly colored statues of Ravana, Kumbhkarna, and Meghnath were set on fire
and burned.
8. Diyaaree
People began lighting Diyaas (earthen lamps) from "Dhan Teras" two days before
Diwali. The bazars are crowded with potential customers. Friends and family
would greet one another with warmth, long pleasantries, and treats. The Laxmi
Poojan is performed at night when everyone in the household prays with respect
and deference. People used to take a stick in the evening and burn a rag that had
been tied to it with oil. Everyone chanted, "Mollawaro!", "Mollawaro!"
9. Nariyal Purnima
During the Purnima of Shrawan month, sisters tie Rakhi to their brothers' wrists.
This day is known as "Rakhree Bandhan." Even close relatives tie Rakhis. In the
past, sisters would travel great distances and visit small towns just to tie Rakhis to
their brothers' wrists. There is much love and affection. People present coconuts
and milk to the God of Waters, "Varun Devta," in the towns and cities where there
are rivers or the sea, in order to ensure the safety and well-being of anyone
traveling by ship or boat.
10. Shraadh
The month of September, or "Bado," is designated for Pitar Pakhiya in honor of
Krishna Paksha. A Shraadh is performed for the comfort of the deceased's soul in
the case of any family member who has passed away on a specific (tithi) day and
date. Food and Dakhshina are supplied to the Brahmins.
11. Holi
This festival of colors brings together people of all ages to celebrate the arrival of a
new season. Some people associate the Holi festival with Holika, Hirnakashyap's
mythical sister and Bhagat Prahlad's son.

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FESTIVALS OF SINDH CULTURE

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