Seraiki folklore, less to none in popularity in South Punjab and beyond, plays a vital role in preserving cultural identity and social values, strengthens communal bonds, educates younger generations and serves as a historical record of events and traditions.
"In societies with strong oral traditions, folklore acts as an unwritten history, carrying forward the knowledge and experiences of ancestors," remarked Dr Khalid Iqbal, a former radio station director.
"Folklore also serves as an inspiration for modern literature, music and even governance by reflecting the ethos of a region," added Dr Iqbal, the writer of famous book on Seraiki language and literature.
Various forms of folklore found in Seraiki literature include Wai, Kafi, Dohay, folktales, proverbs, idioms, folk songs and remedies.
"Wai is a form of devotional and mystical poetry often associated with Sufi saints. It carries themes of divine love, human suffering and spiritual enlightenment," Dr Iqbal said.
"Kafi is also a well-known poetic form in Seraiki and Sindhi literature that expresses deep philosophical thoughts and emotions. Works of Khawaja Ghulam Farid are prime examples of Seraiki Kafi," he said.
He highlighted that Dohay are couplets rich in wisdom and everyday philosophy, offering moral lessons and reflections on life. Besides this, folktales in Seraiki literature revolve around legendary figures, heroic deeds and morality. "Stories like Sassi-Punnu and Heer-Ranjha are widely narrated in South Punjab. These tales reflect the themes of love, sacrifice and destiny.
Similarly, he said, proverbs are an integral part of Seraiki folklore, encapsulating wisdom in short and impactful phrases. For example "Jihday hath aayan, unhay hathi bhal aay" (One who possesses something also bears its responsibility). "These expressions often contain centuries-old experiences and moral lessons," he said, as he also mentioned traditional songs, including Mahiya, Jhummar and Sufi poetry that are widely sung at cultural gatherings, weddings and shrines.
Jhummar is a rhythmic folk dance often performed during celebrations of festivals like Urs Khawaja Fareed, Mela Channan Peer and Sakhi Sarwar that are also deeply rooted in the folklore.
According to Dr Khalid Iqbal, the Seraiki folklore stands as a vibrant testament to the region's rich literary and cultural heritage.
He said women have played a significant yet often unrecognised role in shaping this poetic legacy. Due to societal constraints, many of them remained anonymous but their contributions continue to resonate through lullabies, folk songs and poetic expressions. One such mesmerising lullaby by Dai Phaphal Hafzani has been cherished as a soothing melody for infants.
Similarly, the heart-wrenching folk song Sammi, often attributed to a grieving mother, encapsulates the pain of separation.
These compositions are more than mere songs as they embody emotions, struggles and resilience of Seraiki people. Poetic tributes to trees of shesham and neem mention respite from scorching heat and depict women weaving on charkha, symbolising both the labour and artistry embedded in their daily lives.
Children's songs, in pursuit of birds and rhythmic 'Jhoola Lori' cradle songs for infants highlight a delicate blend of innocence and cultural values.
Another noteworthy contribution is Dhola songs, dedicated to beloved figures, often evoking emotions of longing and admiration. Among them, the most renowned are Qissa Gamon Suchhar, Sammi Rawal, Sakhi Badshah and Mai Budhri Tay Phhulay Da Qissa. These stories transcend generational divides, offering entertainment for children and philosophical insights for youth.
Literary scholars and poets have preserved these artistic expressions, with notable figures like Dr Mehar Abdul Haq, Ibn-e-Qaisar, Aslam Rasoolpuri, Sirajuddin Sanwal and Bushra Rehman contributing to the literary tapestry.
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