PHOTO: APP
HYDERABAD: The colours of culture pervaded through the landscape of Sindh on Sunday as the province's people celebrated their thousands of years old civilisation and its symbolising attributes, amid a mirth of music, dance and festivity. Adorned in Sindhi caps, turbans, ajrak and other cultural dresses, Sindhi men, women, children and elders took to the streets for the celebration of Sindh's culture day.
Hundreds of big and small rallies were taken out in all districts of the province with the local press clubs providing converging points to the celebratory crowds. Some walked while others traveled in ajrak and Sindhi caps covered cars, jeeps and motorcycles, roaming around their cities and towns playing cultural songs along the way.
"This day's excitement now parallels Eid," said a jubilant young man, Qasim Rahupoto, who was reveling among a crowd of youth at Nasim Nagar chowk in Qasimabad, Hyderabad. "The one day festivity should be extended to three days."
In Hyderabad, the two central rave-ups were organised outside the Hyderabad Press Club and at Sindh Museum. Sindhi television channels were behind both the events. Famous Sindhi singers and musicians entertained the audience in both the shows.
Traffic moved at a much slower than the regular pace in the city as groups of celebratory youth occupied all the main squares and intersection, singing and dancing, throughout the day. The trader community also did not lag behind as they placed echo systems at their shops and restaurants. The traders dealing in the traditional attire including Sindhi cap and Ajarak relished a sale bonanza. "Our sales equal if not exceed the sales during Eidul Fitr," said Saqib Memon, who runs a clothes shop.
Meanwhile, across the province, people marked the day displaying various hues of culture. In Tharparkar, local residents performed a sword dance in Rajput style while at another event in the desert district, pigeons were released in the air as a symbol of peace among the local Muslim and Hindu communities.
"This day reconnects us with the roots of our culture and civilisation," said Kuldeep Parwani, a trader leader who participated in a rally in Mithi, Tharparkar.
In Larkana, the artefacts resembling those unearthed from the archaeological site Moen Jo Daro were put to display at a rally. "Sindh's civilisation is 5,000 years old and we vow to keep this civilisation alive for thousands and thousands of more years to come," said Altaf Jagirani, a participant of a rally. Thousands of people flocked to the archaeological site as complaints emerged of damage to the site amid absence of the staff.
"Sindh is a land of farmers, fishermen and labourers," said Sajjad Ali Mallah, who led a rally in Nawabshah. The celebration outside Nawabshah press club was spoiled after the police arrested three workers of Jeay Sindh Qaumi Mahaz, prompting the party to stage a sit-in protest outside the club.
Meanwhile, hundreds of rallies were taken out in Mirpurkhas and Umerkot districts as well.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 2nd, 2019.
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