US Consulate marks Sindh Culture Day

People dressed in shalwar kameez, Sindhi topis and ajrak celebrate culture of the province

KARACHI: Sindh Culture Day was celebrated with fervour and enthusiasm at the US Consulate on Saturday evening. People dressed in shalwar kameez and adorned with Sindhi topis and ajrak celebrated the culture of the province.

US consul-general Grace Shelton greeted the participants and remarked, "We are proud to join the people of Sindh and Pakistan in marking this day". The culture of the province is quite diverse and cohesive, she said. "In my time here so far, I have been able to admire Sindh's heritage and have also visited a couple of shrines," she told participants.

I also met Sindhi artisan women in the upper region of Sindh, along with fishermen, who are found in the lower region, she claimed.

"Sindh's culture is associated with Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai, who gave Sindh its entity," said academic Suliaman Shah. In the ruins of Moen Jo Daro not a single sharp instrument, which could be used to kill others, was found, he said, adding this is reflective of their passive nature. "Besides, we also found the Dancing Girl statue from there."

Poet Mansoor Peerzado made a presentation on the work of Bhitai and said that diverse folk stories of Sassui, Sohni and Marvi are among those which he has written about in his poetry.

People also danced to the tunes of Sindhi musical artists, including alGhouza, Arbab Khan Khoso who played the tune of Moor Thour Thallay, Sattar Jogi from Thar played the raag tunes of Bhoopali, Soruth and Durga.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 4^th, 2016.