Baloch Cultural Day

Celebration of Baloch cultural day started from 2nd March 2011, and Baloch community in Pakistan and abroad organize various programs to highlight different shades of Baloch culture and traditions. Media coverage of this program is given by local and domestic media. Different organisations and political parties arrange music concerts, dramas, cultural shows and other programs to mark the day. Baloch people, most of them youths and students, march on various roads and streets of Quetta wearing traditional Balochi dresses and turbans. They perform traditional dances on drumbeat. Last year, the National Party (NP) had organised a function at the Quetta Press Club which was attended by a large number of party workers and other people, including women and children. NP President Senator Mir Hasil Khan Bizenjo, Secretary Information Party Jan Muhammad Buledi, senior leader Dr Ishaq Baloch and others were present on the occasion.
After the elected government in Balochistan is in place, people of Balochistan feel proud that they are master of their own destinies. Of course, they hold military in very high esteem because it has helped bring peace to the province, and done a lot for providing health and education facilities in addition to what the provincial government is doing. Various governments in the past, whether military or elected, had followed the policy of appeasement and mollycoddling the illusive sardars, chieftains and local wielders who have been riding a rough shod over Baloch commoners, particularly youth. Billions of rupees were poured into the provincial treasury from the centre but one would not see any worthwhile project with first-class educational facilities in diverse fields and disciplines for the commoner Baloch youth. There is a perception that those sums landed into the pockets of tribal sardars.
Let all and sundry know that for the state’s raw deal, the common Baloch youth was very disgruntled, very angry and in a very nasty mood. If one dispassionately examines the situation one would reach the conclusion that on one hand strong centre syndrome reflected in the formation of One Unit in 1955 and on the other centrifugal tendencies on the part of some Baloch sardars were responsible for continuous confrontation and crisis in Balochistan. It goes without saying that people of Balochistan have the first right over minerals and other natural resources of Balochistan, and major part of the income from these assets should be spent on the welfare of the people of Balochistan. Army is persuading the government to focus on development of Balochistan, and has been instrumental in making thousands of Baloch youth join the army.
Though Balochistan is an area of barren lands, deserts and mountains, yet it has mineral resources and above all Gwadar Port, which is to make the hub of economic activity for Pakistan and beyond. The Baloch culture is full of traditions, arts and crafts. Balochi embroidery is one of the most popular arts and crafts which are done by the females. Balochistan is also known for its tribes and festivals. Another distinct feature of Baloch culture is the storytelling tradition. Poets and story tellers are highly respected in Baloch culture. The people belonging to Baloch tribe speak balochi language. Balochi language is an ancient language. Its roots are traced back to Iranian branch of Indo-European family. It has resemblance with languages such as Sanskrit, Avestan, Old Persian and Phalavi, which now a days are said to be as dead languages.
In Baloch culture marriages are different and unique than in the other provinces of the country. The marriages are according to Islamic principles in presence of a Maulana and in the presence of witnesses. Every member of the family takes part in the marriage; they express their joy and happiness by following the traditions of their culture. Usually the marriages are done in young ages (teenage) but are arranged in early childhood or at birth. Usually the marriages take place within tribes but at times intra tribal marriages are also conducted. Divorce rate is very low in Balochistan as compared to the other provinces of Pakistan because they consider it a matter of disrespect for the family and honor of the tribe. In some tribes there is a tradition of taking “Valver”; it is a sum of money paid by the groom to the family of the bride.
Like all the other provinces of Pakistan the national dress shalwar kameez with distinct additions and modifications are worn in Baloch culture. The people dress up very pleasingly and in the same way in all the tribes. Turban is the common headwear of Baloch men along with wide loose shalwar along with knee-long shirts. Females dress consists of a shirt having a big pocket and embroidery and embedded round mirror work in front. A big Dupatta/Chaddar is taken to cover the head and shoulders. Both religious and social festivals are celebrated by Baloch people. The religious festivals are same as across the country like Eid-ul-Azha and Eid-ul-Fitr. These religious festivals are celebrated by decorating houses wearing new dresses cooking special dishes. Baloch culture is full of many social festivals like Sibi festival which has folk music performance, cultural dances, handicrafts stalls, cattle shows and a number of other entertaining activities.
Baloch culture is rich in folk music, dances and songs. Famous wedding songs of Baloch culture are Nazenk and Salonk. The instruments used are mainly a flute, locally called Nal, Tamboora and Soroz. A common Baloch folk dance is known as Dochaap. Women also move in a circle clapping their hands on certain occasions. Other dances include the Lewa, Latti and Hambo. Usually Baloch people have meals in morning and evening. Men and women eat separately. Wheat, millet and rice are part of the Baloch meal. Meat is also an important part; “Sajji” is the favorite dish of most people. Sajji is the food eaten with knife other than that Baloch people usually eat with hands. Milk, butter and vegetables are also part of Baloch cuisine. Having all said, Baloch culture is rich and fascinating, of which Baloch are very proud.