Reema Shaukat
Pakistan’s resource rich and area wise largest province Balochistan has remained in limelight because of many factors. Arab forces invaded Balochistan in the 7th century, converting the Baloch people to Islam. Arab rule in Baluchistan helped the Baloch people to develop their own semi-independent tribal systems, though they were threatened by many dominating forces in the region. In the 17th century, Baluchistan was dominated by Ahmedzai Baloch tribe of Kalat region, which ruled Balochistan from 1666-1948. Being historic region Balochistan witnessed different tribes who had diverse cultural values because of tribal living. Baloch culture is contrary to its general discernment and image. Though Balochistan is an area of barren lands, deserts and mountains, the Baloch culture is full of traditions, arts and crafts. Baluchistan 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, Avesta, Old Persian and Pahlavi, which now a days are said to be as dead languages. Famous Baloch tribes are Marri, Rind, Jamot, Ahmedzai, Bugti, Khosa, Nosherwani, Buledi, Magsi and Lasharri. The tribe’s head is known as Sardar, whereas sub divided tribes also have heads known as Malik, Atari or Mir. These tribe heads are members of districts and local jirgas. Like other provinces of Pakistan the national dress shalwar kameez with distinct additions and modifications are worn in Baloch culture. The people dress up pleasantly in the same way as other all tribes. Turban is the common headwear of Bloch 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 or chaddar is taken to cover the head and shoulders. Balochi embroidery is one of the most popular arts and crafts which are done by the females. Balochistan, despite its scarce population, has an uncommon racial and tribal diversity. Most of the people in the cities and towns understand and speak more than two languages. In addition to Balochi, Pashto and Brahvi, the majority of the population understand and speak Urdu. In Kachhi and Sibi districts, people speak Seraiki and Sindhi. Quetta city, the union point of all linguistic groups and provincial capital of Balochistan accommodates not only Urdu, Balochi, Pashto, Brahvi and Sindhi speaking people but Darri and Persian speaking ones as well. Dehwar tribe of Sarawan sub-division in Kalat, also speaks a language derived from Persian.
Cultural landscape of Balochistan portrays various ethnic groups. Though people speak different languages, there is a similarity in their literature, beliefs, moral order and customs. The bolstering factor is religion which provides a base for unity and common social order. Apart from religious festivals and national days which are marked across the country 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 depicting the colourful side of Baloch people. Buzkashi is another festival which marks the bravery of Baloch people. It is celebrated on horse-back by two teams that use their skills to snatch a goat from each other. Sajji is popular Balochi food across the country and popular local games are chauk and ji.
Balochistan because of rivalries among groups and separatist movements has suffered a lot. Particularly for more than a decade since 9/11 this area agonized because of radical elements. General perception about Balochistan is that Balochi people want their separate province which is totally wrong because some extremist forces who portray it as a neglected and deprived area. After the initiation of CPEC in Gwadar, importance of Balochistan has increased manifold. Overall province has seen many developmental projects including infrastructure, hospitals, schools, cadet colleges etc. In past we have seen many ferraris or insurgent groups laying down their weapons on national days showing their love for peace in Pakistan. To highlight the importance of this resource rich province with beautiful cultural diversity of local tribes, 2nd March is marked as Baloch Culture Day. Baloch mark this culture day by wearing traditional dresses and turban, they also celebrate this day in Iran, Afghanistan, Dubai, Muscat, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and India. Baloch children and women celebrate this day with traditional passion amid taking out rallies and arranging different gatherings. The preparation of this special day is being done in a tremendous way to show Baloch culture in the entire world. Indeed, culture plays an essential role for the development of a nation and every country has its own culture which highlights and distinguishes its one culture from another
Baloch people claim that understanding Baloch culture is like looking through a periscope. Every dimension is rich and colourful because of arts and crafts, music, literature, cuisine, dresses and what not. The culture of Baloch is one of the majestic cultures in the world and not only all Baloch but every Pakistani should celebrate it with great enthusiasm. Though such days are celebrated locally but to highlight the importance of every Pakistani provincial culture, schools, associated institutions and media should celebrate cultural days throughout Pakistan not only to create awareness about cultural diversity in Pakistan but promoting inter-faith harmony and concord.
