Dazzling Baloch attire on show on culture day

Annual event celebrated with full zeal and fervour across province

QUETTA: Baloch Culture Day was celebrated with full zeal and fervour in the provincial capital and other parts of Balochistan on Monday as various events were organised in which people from all walks of life, particularly youth, participated.

The main ceremony was held at University of Balochistan’s Expo Centre where a large number of people attended the festivities, garbed in traditional attires including Balochi turbans, shalwar qameez and waistcoats, decorated with traditional embroidery. Balochistan National Party-Mengal’s workers also took part in the event.

The youngsters were seen holding Balochi sticks attributed to Mir Chakar Khan Rind and the late Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti.

“We wait for this day the whole year because through it we show our rich culture to other nations,” a participant of the programme at UoB Zaib Baloch said, vowing to celebrate the day on the streets in turban, sandal (Chawat) and shalwar qameez.

The participants urged the locals to promote their culture and tradition all the year round.

Various events were organised at Quetta’s Ayub Stadium and shopping malls to mark the celebrations as people danced to the beat of folk music.

“Our culture is centuries-old and we, the youth, have a responsibility to promote it and take pride in it,” said another participant Majeed Baloch.

“The day gives us an opportunity to educate people about the rich customs and traditions of Balochistan,” he maintained.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan Alynai in his special message congratulated the people on the annual culture day, saying that on this day the Baloch nation shares the message of peace and unity with others.

He said Balochistan is like a flower bouquet of different nationalities, tribes, colors and ethnicities.

He added that thoughtful and successful nations protect their culture, customs, values and historical heritage.

Paying tribute to the literati, Kamal said Baloch poets Mir Gul Khan Naseer, Atta Shah, Abdul Qayyum Baloch, Syed Zahoor Shah, Siddiq Akhtar and others always taught a lesson of solidarity, national unity and constructive thinking beyond any prejudice.

He said the youth should play a positive role in the development and prosperity of the province so that the best picture of Balochistan can be reflected in society.

Kamal said the traditional regional dance and costumes make Baloch Culture Day more unique while the hospitality of Baloch nation will always be remembered in history.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 3^rd, 2020.