Festivals in Sindh

The people of Sindh are very much into celebrating fairs and festivals at shrines (urs). Annual festivals, melas and malakharas (wrestling festivals) that are popular forms of recreation. Malh is the distinctive style of Sindhi wrestling. Horses and camels compete in different styles of races and events Falconry is a popular pastime. Bullock-cart racing and cockfighting are popular in some areas.

The people of Sindh are very much into celebrating fairs and festivals at shrines (urs). Annual festivals, melas and malakharas (wrestling festivals) that are popular forms of recreation. Malh is the distinctive style of Sindhi wrestling. Horses and camels compete in different styles of races and events Falconry is a popular pastime. Bullock-cart racing and cockfighting are popular in some areas. [Source: Ministry of Culture, Pakistan pakistanculture.org ]

Sindhi people are fond of listening to music and epic poems and enjoy taking part in folk dances. Muslims and Hindus often celebrate their festivals together. There are seasonal festivals, religious festivals and cultural festivals. Every new season is celebrated. The monsoon season and the coming of rain, for example, is celebrated with songs throughout Sindh. and by the people of Thar Desert in particular. At festivals, there is always a lot to eat and drink.

Different festivals are arranged by the local people to serve as marketplaces for goods and provide entertainment. Sindhi cultural festivals feature folk dances, music and cheap entertainment for local people. Sindhis celebrate Sindh Cultural Day world wide on December 6th by wearing Ajrak and Sindhi Topi. The event is especially big in Karachi., which plays host to many great festivals.

Sindh Festival has been happening in Karachi since 2001.It features villages themed around health, culture and heritage, the local fishing industry, business, sports, food and more. The KaraFilm Festival showcased the up and coming filmmakers and films by local and international talents. The festival was held annually until 2009. It usually occurred around the beginning of the year and attracted as many as 35,000 people. Karachi also host world-famous classical musicians. All Pakistan Music Conference has been held since 1959 and has events in Lahire and Karachi.

The Hamara Karachi festival showcases the culture of Sindh province. It features debate competitions, flower shows, parades and floats, fireworksm exhibitions of historical artifacts, and concerts. The festival usually occurs around the end of February to early March.There are many regional sports that are played in Sindh. Malakhiro (Malakhra) wrestling is the most famous. Other sports include Wanjh wati, Kodi Kodi, Beelarhoo, Thipai Rand, Notinn and Biloor.

Gallery