The Fragrance Of Sindhi Culture

Indian culture is like a bouquet of flowers, wherein each flower has its own hue and fragrance. Likewise, each Sindhi festival which is a part of Indian culture has something unique to offer.

1. Thadri – This derives form the word Thaddo Thyo, literally meaning ‘cold’ in Sindhi language. On the day before Thadri, people cook lola (sweet flour cakes) because they believe no flame must be lit on the festival day. One of the activities is getting together to play cards signifying that victory and defeat must be taken in our stride in the game of life. This has been uniquely presented with artists dressed in costumes inspired by a pack of cards.

2. Teejri – This is celebrated in monsoons, when single and married women keep fasts for their beloved ones. This dance showcases women passing their day by playing indoor games, singing folk songs and beautifying their hands with mehndi designs. After a day-long fast, they break it only at night after offering arg to the moon.

3.Diwali – After the monsoons comes the festival of Diwali, to welcome Goddess Lakshmi, where the Sindhis worship ‘hatari’ that signifies a shop – a livelihood. Sindhis being a business community, the ‘Sindhwarki’ businessman who is separated from his family in pursuit of his trade invariably returns home to celebrate the festival with his beloved while she is getting ready to greet him having done her Solaah Singaar. This diyaari dance is performed with diyas to drive away the shadows of evil spirits.

4. Utraan – This Sindhi festival marks the commencement of the sun’s journey into the northern hemisphere and is an equivalent to the Makar Sankranti festival. This is presented by female dancers dressed as colourful kites and male dancers holding their strings. The actions of pulling and letting loose symbolizes the art of maintaining a balanced life.

5. Basant Panchmi –In this classical number ‘Chaturang’, Anila depicts the immortal love of Kamdev (the god of love) and Rati (his consort) who are worshipped on this day. This festival marks the onset of the spring season – Basant Bahaar – where there is beauty in nature and happiness in the hearts.

6. Holi – Holi festival has an ancient origin and celebrates the triumph of ‘good over evil’. The colourful festival bridges the social gap and renews relationships. Holi celebration begins with lighting up of the bonfire on the eve followed by rubbing gulaal and cheering up the next day, which comes alive on stage in a folk form.

7. Cheti Chand – The Sindhi New Year day, when they worship the God of Waters, holds a special significance because centuries ago Sindhi merchants traversed through the waters by ships carrying their cargo to far-off lands. The first day of the Chaitra month marks the mystical birth of Lord Uderolal who preached for religious freedom that made him to be the ‘ishtadeva’ of Sindhis. The artists dedicate an aarti as a prayer to him followed by chhej – a dance with wooden sticks and jhaanjh (cymbals).