Folk maestros light up Bhittai Melo

BHIT SHAH:

The soothing strains of Sindhi raags filled the night air at Bhit Shah as some of the region's most celebrated folk maestros took centre stage at the opening night of the 282nd Urs of Hazrat Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai (RA), transforming the shrine town into a living tribute to the Sufi poet's message of love, harmony, and human dignity.

The grand musical evening at Shah Abdul Latif Auditorium was headlined by legendary voices including Ustad Shafi Muhammad Faqir, Shaman Ali Mirali, Master Wali Ahmed Mughal, and rising star Sanwal Marvel, each delivering soulful performances that drew roars of applause from an audience packed with devotees, culture enthusiasts, and dignitaries.

From lilting folk ballads to stirring renditions of Bhittai's poetry, the night resonated with the timeless essence of Sindh's musical heritage. The concert marked the first of three nights of music during the Urs, with more than 300 singers and songwriters set to perform over the festival's course.

The most outstanding performers will be honoured with the coveted "Latif Award" on the concluding night, recognising excellence in preserving and promoting the Sufi saint's rich artistic legacy.

The opening ceremony was attended by a host of provincial and district officials, including Sindh Minister for Culture and Tourism Syed Zulfiqar Shah, Provincial Irrigation Minister Jam Khan Shoro, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Jabbar Khan and others.

A notable highlight was the special appearance of Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti, who was warmly received by Minister Zulfiqar Shah and other dignitaries. On the occasion, Bugti lauded Sindh as a "land of peace and love," noting that Sufi saints like Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai had always championed the message of unity and brotherhood.

"By following Bhittai's unmatched poetry, we can eliminate extremism at both national and global levels. Today, more than ever, we must unite and embrace the path of dialogue to foster peace," he told reporters, adding that those who renounce violence in Balochistan are being welcomed back into the national fold with opportunities for employment and reintegration.

Minister Zulfiqar Shah, speaking earlier, highlighted Bhittai's portrayal of women as role models in his poetry and recalled that Sindh had a long tradition of welcoming guests, citing the developmental projects in Bhit Shah initiated by the late Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.

Beyond the music, the Urs celebrations feature a vibrant programme of traditional sports such as Malakhara, literary conferences, and Sughhar Kachhari sessions. Throughout the town, stalls brim with handicrafts, the scent of Sindhi cuisine fills the air, and the shrine itself glows under elaborate lighting, drawing thousands of devotees from across the country.

As the melodies of the first night faded into the desert wind, Bhit Shah stood alive with the spirit of Shah Latif — a reminder that his 18th-century verses remain as resonant today as they were centuries ago, weaving together faith, culture, and the shared yearning for peace.