Sindhi traditions and rituals

This article has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page. (Learn how and when to remove these template messages) This article may require copy editing for grammar, style, cohesion, tone, or spelling. You can assist by editing it. (July 2023) (Learn how and when to remove this message) This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. Find sources: "Sindhi traditions and rituals" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (July 2023) (Learn how and when to remove this message) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

Sindhi traditions and rituals (Sindhi: سنڌي رسم ۽ رواج‎) refers to the traditions and rituals practiced by the Sindhis, the cultural group native to Sindh, Pakistan. have many traditions and rituals starting from the birth of a child to the death of a person. These traditions and rituals differ from region to region and also from one religion to another.^[1][2]

Muslim pregnancy and birth traditions[edit]

Pregnancy[edit]

During the seventh month of a woman's pregnancy, a celebration called "Khunba" is held. Close female relatives, friends and neighbors are invited and Sehra/Lada/Geech (traditional folk songs) are sung. Guests put rice, fruits, and dry fruits into the pregnant mother's lap and give money ("ghor") to the pregnant woman. After the celebration, the expecting mother goes to her maternal home, where she lives with her parents for the remainder of her pregnancy and gives birth to the child there.^[3]

Birth[edit]

When a child is born, the "Bangha" (Azan) is recited in their right ear and "Kalmas" in the left ear by an elder man or the father of baby. Families hold celebrations, where they serve sweets.^[4] The child's umbilical cord is buried on the side of the house's door. The "Dai" is given money and clothes. On the birth of a male child, the game of colors (Rangan ji Rand) is also played.

On the night after the birth, the mother's female relatives gather to present milk, handmade clothes, gold rings, food, small rallis called "Rilka" and other items as gifts to the mother and her newborn. Black threads called dhagha or sagra are tied on the baby's wrists and ankles, gold rings are put on both hands, a Tawiz is tied around their neck, and surmo (kohl) is applied in eyes and marks/dots are made on the face for protection from "nazar" evil-sight, while women sing sehra/lada/geech. Then the gifts given by relatives and neighbors are shown to everyone.^[3]

A "mullan" (priest) is summoned, and, after much ceremony and some trifling presents, a name for the child is taken either from religious works or decided upon according to the rules of judicial astrology. The Sindhis of hills are in habit of calling their children by the names of plants and fruits for example "Gul" (flower), Kando (thorn) and Ambu (Mango) etc. These calls are repeated for a succession of six days: the usual extent of refreshment offered to the guests, being milk, sweetmeats, and tobacco.^[2] The child's body and face is daily massaged with oil before a bath called "Aadh". When the child sleeps, their body, arms and legs are tightly tied in a cloth called "Tanjan" or "Bandan". The baby sleeps on Rilkas with small pillows, and a clay or wooden object with two poles called "Munh Rakhi" or "Rakhni" is placed above the child's head, and a cloth is put over it.^[3]

Chhattri is celebrated on the sixth day after the child's birth. Relatives, friends and neighbors are invited, and a feast is prepared for guests. The celebration involves the playing of musical instruments such as dhul, sharnai, and bagpipes.^[3][2]

The ceremony of Akiko, or Jandre, involves shaving the hair of male children when the boy is between three months and one year old. Whole family and close relatives and neighbors visit a nearby dargah, while singing sehras/lada/geech by women. The principal part of the festivity is the sacrifice of a sheep without blemish, which must be slain according to the usual rules. They then remove the flesh from the bones, carefully observing that none of the latter are broken, and with the former prepare a feast for the "Olema", relations and mendicants. When the child's hair has been shaved by a barber, the hair were weighed against the silver or gold, which was later given in charity,^[5] then the hair placed with the sheep's bones in the animal's skin is buried either in a Mukam (burial ground) or at the threshold of the door. The popular idea is, that on the day of resurrection the contents of the skin will arise in the shape of a horse, and triumphantly carry the child over the bridge "Al Sirat" into Paradise.^[2]

Child's walk ceremony: when a child starts walking a small celebration is done called "Pair Mani", and the child is made to stand on an earthen plate and a thread is tied on feet.

The ceremony of Sathri or Toharu (circumcision), is generally performed when the boy is in eight years old. A feast of rice, meat, and other delicacies is prepared for the guests; and the festivities are accompanied by musicians and fireworks. The patient dressed in saffron or white clothes, and adorned with "Morh" (a kind of headdress on face), and garlands made of money. Henna is applied on the boy's hands and feet, and sehra/lada/geech are sung. Then boy is taken outside for "Sargas" a visit,^[6] the boy is mounted on horseback or in a car, and led round the town to the sound of dhol, sharnai etc. instruments, singing and firing of guns. When he returns home the boy is tied with red lungi (sarong), and the barber performs the operation. Immediately after the operation, clothes and money are waved round the boy's head and given to the operator and the minstrels who are present, and food is distributed to beggars.^[2]

In the north of Sindh, there is a custom of preventing any mishap during the operation by making the anxious mother stand with a millstone on her head while a male relative pours water on it. But in the south, the father is made to stand instead of the mother, with his feet in water and a Koran on his head. After the recovery of the patient on the 11th day, it is necessary for father to feast close relations and friends. But each guest is expected to bring a small money present (pahat).^[5]

Muslim wedding traditions[edit]

Sindhi marriages are mostly arranged and done among relatives, or in same castes, but today love marriages are also common.

Pre-wedding rituals[edit]

The boy's family first visits the girl's home in a meeting called Padhri or Gaalh Paki, where they ask her parents permission for their son to marry their daughter. If the girl's parents accept the proposal, then sweets and milk are served, and everyone prays for the new couple.^[1][7]

The Manghni/Manghno/Pothi is a betrothal ceremony, performed a month or even more before the wedding, on the lucky day best being any Monday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday in the months of Ramazan, Rabi el Akhar, Rajab and Shaaban.^[7]

On the day of Manghno the groom's family arrives at bride's house with a long embroidered veil (Pothi), a Cholo (bodice), a Suthan (pantaloons), sometimes also a Lengha is given, and some ornaments such as "Haar" necklace, a "Var" and "Khirol" different kinds of gold rings etc. The bride's house is decorated already before guests arrival, and the house usually divided into the two parties the males sit chatting with the men, and the females, accompanied by a Hajaman (barber's wife). The future bride is then dressed in the clothes and ornaments, seated in a conspicuous part of room, The bridegroom's mother first put a big embroidered veil "Pothi" on to bride, and put engagement ring into her finger, then the 7 "Suhaganio" married women one by one apply oil on her hair and make braids, also apply henna on her hands, while making her eat sweets, and other ladies sing sehra/lada/geech, the bride's mother sends the barber's wife to the men's assembly with a large pot of milk directed to the father of the bridegroom. The Hajaman presents to the males, and compels them to drink with many compliments and congratulations, then sweets, dried dates and "Patasa" are served both male and female sides, those who are wealthy would serve sweet rice (Zardo), and sindhi pulao/biryani with other items. Men then dance with joy on the sound of dhol, sharnai instruments. After much joy the males then raise their hands and recite the Fatihah: after this the girl's father is asked to appoint some time for the marriage. He does so naming the month and day, upon which all parties rise up and leave the house. When arrived at this part of the proceeding, it is considered improper to break off the match.^[2]

After the betrothal and before the wedding, the bridegroom's parents and relatives will send the bride gifts on celebratory occasions such as Eid. Gifts might include money, sweetmeats and clothing.^[2]

About a month before the wedding, Wanah or Wanhwa Wiharanu is performed. Today it happens only for 7 or 5 days. The family of the bridegroom comes to the bride's house with items called "Pirro" some sweetmeats, clarified butter, fruits, dry fruits, perfumed oil, henna, and an "Akhiyo",^[8] a small piece of embroidered cloth used as a veil. The bride sits in a corner of a room with "Akhiyo" on her face, till the day/night of wedding, some rituals like applying oil in hair by "suhaganio" married women is also done called "Wanah ja sath" with ladies singing sehras/ladas/geech. Once these rituals are done, and everyone leaves, the bride is made to stay in one room, and no one is permitted to see her face. However, a female relative must be sitting with her throughout this time, as it is believed that evil spirits can harm the bride or bridegroom if they are left alone.^[2]

During this time, the bride has no obligations besides the religious obligations to pray five times a day; many brides will also recite the Quran and pray for herself and for her married life. She eats a special bread called busri and "Churo/Khorak", made up with the dry fruits, sweetmeats and the clarified butter sent by the bridegroom. Until the wedding, the bride is only allowed to eat healthy food, made with fruits and homemade butter and oil. This is said to increase delicacy of skin and complexion. During wanah the bride's nose is pierced, as traditionally girls only pierced their nose when they plan to marry, as it was considered bad for unmarried girls to pierce their nose.^[2][7]

The barber's wife attends every day to bathe and wash the bride with Pithi^[9] (a succedaneum for soap, composed of sweet oil and flour of wheat or Mash, the Phaseolus radiatus), and the hair of the body are removed. All the different arts of the cosmetics, such as staining the hands, feet, and hair with henna, dyeing the lips with Musag (walnut bark), the cheeks with Surkhi (a preparation of lac, corresponding with rouge), and the eyes with Kajjal, or lamp-black, are also tried as experiments. The locks, parted in front, and allowed to hang down behind in one or two plaits, are perfumed with oils," and carefully braided to see that the back hair is all of the same length; the front part is trained to lie flat upon the forehead by applications of gum and water,' and the Namak, or brilliancy of the complexion, is heightened by powdered silver-leaf or talc, applied with a pledget of cotton to the cheeks and the parts about the eyes. At times sandalwood and rose water were rubbed upon the head and body, after the former has been thoroughly combed and washed with the clay called "Metu" and lime juice. The young beginner is instructed in the science of handling a bit of musk enclosed in embroidered cloth, and Tira, or moles, are drawn upon her face and lips with needles dipped in antimony and other coloring matters. The Missi, or copper powder, the idea that it strengthens the teeth and relieves their whiteness is seldom applied in Sindh by modest women.^[10] These experiments and preparation continue for many days; and during the whole period, visitors flock to the house and are feasted by the father of the bride. The ladies all sing sehra/lada/geech called "Sanjhri" daily at evening from wanahu till the wihan (marriage). Many of these things are not done anymore due to modernization, the bride simply goes to parlour or beauty salon for her cosmetics and grooming.^[2]

The bridegroom has not so much to go through; He is given a dagger and tasbeh in his hands, and a gano (bracelet) is tied on his wrist, the groom carries the dagger and tasbeh all the time till the wedding night, (just like bride it is believed that during this period evil spirits can harm the bridegroom, so the dagger and tasbeh work as an amulet, also back in time enemies would take revenge by harming the groom so he was given the sword for his protection, also it symbolizes the bridegroom to be a warrior, strong, masculine and as a guardian/protector for his family to be), a "ghano" wristband is tied on his hand, with him a "Arhyar/Arhar"^[11] is appointed who would be with him all the time till wedding. He is also fed healthy homemade busri, churo/khorak, "desi geh" and "makhan" made food, fruit, dry fruits and milk. Three days are considered sufficient to clean him with Pithi, dress him in rich clothes mostly white in color, a shawl ajrak/lungi, patko, garlands of money and flowers, he is also supposed to perform nimaz five times a day, and recite "Quran" and pray for himself and for his married life, bridegroom is shown to the public at Maulud commemorations of the Prophet's nativity, feasts given to the relations and friends of the family. Dance is also performed.^[2]

Bukki is done after wanahu in which thread is tied to a big earthen pot called "ukhri", and the dried dates are crushed into it while ladies sing sehra, lada or geech. The bridegroom's uncle ties mor, a traditional headdress, on the groom's face. He lies down on a khat, and his sisters, mother and other relatives apply henna on his hands and feet. The groom's family then goes to the bride's house and performs rituals called "bukki ja sath". They give the bride her wedding dress, jewelry, ornaments, and cosmetics.^[12][7][13]

Parr diyanu is a ritual in which the bridegroom's family goes to a village's dargah or peer (a saint's grave) and offer a "chadar" sheet of cloth with Quranic verses written on it, this sheet is called (parr), they also offer fresh rose petals on the grave of the Saint, also some "niyaz" distribution of sweets, dried dates or biscuits or anything else they can afford, it is distributed among the people present at the dargah.^[14]

Wedding rituals[edit]

The Wihan or Shadi (marriage ceremony) is usually performed at night. Early in the evening the barber appears to the Ghot's house, gets him ready, dresses him in new white Salwar Khamis (shirt and trousers), a turban, waistband, shawl (Ajrak, Lungi, Maleer or Doshalo), also another extra red/pink embroidered veil on his head, "Mor" and a pair of shoes everything sent by the bride's relations. At the same time, the Kunwar is decked out by the barber's wife in a suit of clothes, together with various kinds of jewels," procured for her by her future spouse's family. After the cosmetics the expiatory ceremony called "Ghor" is performed, by waving or throwing money over the heads of both parties. The cast-off clothes are the perquisites of the Hajam (barber) and his wife.^[2] Later the bride is made ready for the wedding ceremony, the wedding dress usually is of red colored Cholo (tunic), suthan (trousers), Lengho (skirt) and one or two veils, with a lots of jewelries and ornaments, the most important being the Nath (nose jewel) as it symbolizes the marital status in Sindhi Muslim society, she wears Nath for few days even after her marriage, later Nath is replaced by "bullo/bulli/phuli/Kiro", other important jewelry is the chura/chooriyon but it has less importance nowadays. As great attention is paid to the dressing, it is seldom concluded before midnight.^[2]

A wedding procession called Jjanjja takes place from the groom's house to bride's house. Traditionally, the groom rode on a horse or on camel, surrounded by his relatives and friends; nowadays a decorated car may also be used. The procession members dance, sing, and play music. Once they reach the bride's house, fireworks are set off and dance and music are performed.^[7][15]

Nikah: when groom reaches at bride's house all the men are welcomed in separate men section or in a "Chhano/Shamiano" a large ceremonial tent made specially for weddings and other events, where the wedding grand feast is also served, and the women into women section, where they are greeted, they sing sehra, lada or geech there, in men section where the bridegroom is seated he finds a large gathering of relatives, a Mullan (priest), and other persons necessary for the performance of Nikkah. The priest, seated between the bridegroom and the bride's father performs nikkah rites, the witnesses or "wakils" are sent to bride's room for her approval mostly her father and brothers, the "Haq-Mahr" (settlements) given by bridegroom is made according to Islamic laws, once the nikkah is performed everyone raise their hands and pray, the priest recite quranic verses, then the nikkah is completed, everyone congratulate the bridegroom and his father, by hugging them, and giving "ghor" and putting the money garlands on them. Now both bride and bridegroom are officially married according to Islamic laws.^[2][7][16]

After nikkah, the groom enters the bride's house with his mother, sisters and other female relatives, and is welcomed in by the sisters, friends, and female cousins of bride, who take the opportunity to perform a number of playful ceremonies at the home's entrance, including:

• Dhakkun Bhanjan: A small earthen dhakkanu (pot-cover) is placed upside down on ground in front of bridegroom, who tries to break it in one stomp.^[17][2][16]
• Kandi/Taro Kapanu: In other regions of Sindh, they fix a Kandi (thorn branch) firmly in the ground, and the groom is given a sword and asked to cut through it with a single blow.^[2][18]
• Daawan Diyan: The bride's sister puts a long thread in between the space of groom's little finger, while his hand is raised high, from finger to the foot the thread is tied, the groom is supposed to break/tear the thread by pulling it in opposite direction.^[19]
• Pani ji rasm and Surmo application: Drops of water are sprinkled on the groom, or surmo (kohl) is applied to the groom's eyes.

The bride's sisters ask for money in return for these ceremonies.

Once the rituals at the door are done, the groom is let into the house and seated on "saij" or "khat", with his face towards the west. The bride's sisters and cousins get the bride and have her sit in opposite direction of groom. A large bolster is placed between the couple. The rituals are performed there.^[2]

Laau/Lawan Diyan: The groom's uncles and their wives come one by one and compelling the bride and groom's to touch foreheads seven times in succession. Each participants gives the couple money. While other ladies sing sehra, lada, geech.^{[2][20][21][7]}

Phula/Gula Chundanu: When the "laau" is over, then "Phula Chundanu" ritual is performed. The Sohagan throws at the bride about a dozen cotton flowers dyed with saffron or turmeric; these then the groom takes up and puts aside.^[22][23]

Tira Maanu: A quantity of white and dry "Tira" (Sesamum) is brought in upon a large "Thali" metal platter, and placed before the bride. The suhagan joins bride's palms together, fills them with the grain, and pours it six or seven times into the groom's hands. The Sohagan, in the meantime sing sehra dedicated to this ritual.^[2][24]

Chanwara Maanu: this interesting ceremony succeeds after "tira maanu". The Sohagan places before the bridegroom a platter filled with salt and white rice in equal proportions. The Ghot now takes the initiative and pours six or seven palmsful of the grain into his bride's hands.^[25][22]

During Kheer Mundri, a bowl of milk is placed in between the bride and bridegroom. A ring is dropped in the bowl of milk, and bride and groom race to find it; whoever finds it first wins. This is repeated three times.^[25]

Winjri ji Sath: a local handfan is given to groom, and covered in the groom's shawl and made him put the end stick of handfan touch on the shoulders and head of bride, then bride repeats the same ritual on bridegroom.

Muth Kholanu: A dry date is placed in the bride's right hand; she is told to hold it firmly and the bridegroom tries to take it from her using only one hand.^[25][23]

Tik Rasam: also called "munh dekharanu" A big mirror is placed in between the couple and then the veil of bride is slightly opened and groom's "mor" are also put aside, both bride and bridegroom see each other in the mirror. The groom gives a gift for seeing the face of bride.^[26]

Gandh kholaru: the corners of bride's veil and groom's shawl are tied in knot and the groom is supposed to untie it with his thumb and little finger only.

During Kheer Piyarni, the bride and then the groom drink a bowl or glass of milk.

Lastly, during pallav badhanu, the corners of bride and groom's veils are tied tightly together, and the newly wedded couple leaves the bride's house.^[25]

Jutto Likai: Earlier in the day, the sisters of the bride hid the shoes of the bridegroom, and as he leaves they will ask him for money in exchange for his shoes.^[26]

Rukhsati: After all the wedding rituals performed, the bride see off her mother, father, brother, sisters and other relatives.^[7]

Chawar ji rasam: the last ritual in some part of Sindh is performed, when the bride leaves her house, she takes rice in her palms joined and throw the rice to her behind.^[23]

As the bride leaves the house, the Quran is carried above her head as they walk to the bridegroom's house.

Post wedding rituals[edit]

Directly after the wedding, a reception called walimo takes place.

Satawro takes place on the seventh day after the wedding. The newly-wedded bride and her husband visits her parents' house, where they are served a meal.^[27]

Muslim death and funerary traditions[edit]

All the death rituals are done according to Islamic teachings.

When a person is seen to be in "Sakarat" state (the agonies of death), everyone present recite the Shahadat, the holy water Zamzam if available then it is squeezed into the mouth of the person.^[28]

Ghusal: ghusl-e-mayat is given to the dead person by ghassal (corpse bather). Once ghusl e mayat is done the ghasal place the body upon sheet which is spread over a Khatolo (kind of bedsteads). Next they put on the "Kafan" (shroud), a large piece of cotton torn so as to pass over the head: usage directs that it should not be sewn in any part, that it should reach down to the calves of the legs, and that religious sentences should be traced with clay from Mecca upon the portion that covers the dead man's chest. Various perfumes such as rosewater, attar of roses and the powder called Abir are sprinkled over the body. It is then covered with a sheet, the skirts of which are tied together at both ends with that upon which the corpse is lying. Finally, a shawl, or some such covering, is thrown over the sheet, a Koran, belonging to the priest, is placed at the head of the bier, and the corpse is ready for interment.^[2]

When an unmarried person is died, they are dressed in the wedding attire with "Morh" and money and flowers garlands.

The corpse lying on "Khat" is placed in ground of house, where every relative is sitting and mourning for death, some close relatives would mourn by crying in a rhythmic way called "Osara and Paar Kadhanu".^[29] The body is placed there for whole day and in evening the procession is formed, and four of the friends or relations of the deceased raise up the Jenazo (bier). They are preceded by two or three men chaunting Maulud, and themselves reciting the Shahadat, they proceed at a rapid pace towards the Mukam (burial ground). The namaz-e-janaza is performed. The grave, which is usually dug beforehand, is about four cubits square, with a hole called a "Guja" in the middle, as nearly as possible the size of the body. The Akhund, or priest, now takes the Koran from the bier, and gives it to the nearest male heir of the deceased, telling him to fix a price for it. When the sum has been formally settled, the Akhund thus addresses him: " thou give me this Koran in lieu of any prayer, fasting, or debt-payment which the dead man may have omitted? When the heir has replied in the affirmative, the priest duly states that he accepts the offer, takes the Koran, descends into the Guja and reads aloud the whole chapter "Tabarak.' He then places a little mould from the grave in the palm of each man present, and desires them all to repeat after him the "Kul huw'Allah.' After this the earth is returned to the Akhund, who scatters it over the tomb. The corpse is then lowered into the Guja by three or four relations: the limbs must be straight, and the head so inclining towards the shoulder, that the face may turn towards the Kaabah. They next loosen the skirts of the sheets, but not so as to uncover the head and prepare to fill up the grave. Strong sticks are placed over the mouth of the Guja; if wood be not procurable a slab of stone is used. Then recite ayat (verse) of "quran" during the recitation the earth is filled in. The company now forms in a circle round the grave, each member touching his neighbours' forefingers, and in this position repeating the chapter, "Ya Ayyuha'l Muhammad". They then raise both hands in the posture of prayer, while the Akhund recites the final orison and dismisses them to their homes.

Treyo/Trejo: On the third day after the funeral, the principal Waris (heir) slaughter a cow or a goat, according to their circumstances, and gives the first funeral feast to the family, relatives and neighbors and all that were present at the interment. This, too, is the proper time for settling legacies," and discharging the outstanding debts of the deceased. After the feast, the Akhund and his coadjutors perform a "Khatmo" or reciting the whole "Quran", by each repeating a single section, they receive in payment small presents of money, scented oils, betel nuts and other such articles. The Ghassal is rewarded with gifts; one of his perquisites being the clothes of the deceased. Prayers are then offered up, and the company separates.^[2][30] The mournings (Tado or Pathar) are carried till seventh or eleventh day.

Daho: another feast given by the waris on the tenth day after the death. The ceremonies differ little from what take place on the Treyo.^[2]

Chaliho: The same happens on the Chaliho, feast on the fortieth day, up to this time the friends and relatives of the deceased visit his family, generally twice a day, morning and evening; and the women of the house are all clad in "sua" (dirty clothes), by the end of it the guests give set of bangles or new clothes and one chādar (veil) to close female relatives of deceased person, as a symbolic gesture to break the "sua".^[2]

Baraho: The last feast given is on the Baraho (12th month), the anniversary of the death. It usually concludes the funeral rites, though some families are so affectionate as to keep up the practice of sending food to the Akhund, twice a day, on all great festivals.^[31]

The higher orders usually pay several Akhunds to read the Koran over a relative's grave for forty days in succession; even the poorest do their best to secure the luxury for a week or fortnight. Among the more literary classes, it is not unusual for an individual occasionally to peruse the sacred volume in the presence of the dead many years after their decease.(The idea is, that the religious merit of the act will belong to the person in whose favour it is done on the great day of reward and punishment).^[2]

Shapes of graves: When the grave is filled in, earth is heaped upon the top in different shapes. Sometimes, it is raised in cylindrical form about one span high, sprinkled with water, and smeared with "Kahgil", others merely make a heap of mould covered with pebbles," or spread over with leaves of the tree called in Arabic "Arak" and in Sindhi "Jara" Over the remains of respectable men they erect tombstones of bricks and lime. The grave is repaired if it gets old.^[2]

Iddat: When a husband of a married woman is died, or she is divorced then she goes in iddat.

Pagg Rasam: When the father of a family dies, his eldest son is given all responsibilities of the family after his father, the eldest son would be the guardian of the family, and a small ceremony is called on, in which close relatives gather and tie the "Pagg" (turban) on the head of the eldest son who is called "Paggdar", it is a symbolic as even if the eldest son is very young he is still tied the turban.^[32]

Hindu wedding traditions[edit]

Pre-wedding rituals[edit]

Kachi Misri.^[33][34]

Pakki Mishri. The groom's family visits the bride's house with lavish gifts and sweets called "shagun".^[35][36]

Berana Satsang. Also for all the wedding functions to go smoothly. Women sing sindhi Ladas (traditional folk songs) also the devotional Jhulelal songs are played, all the family members dance on it.^[35][37]

Dev Bithana the ceremony of "Ganesh Stapana". It is believe that God will take care of any difficulty and hurdle that might trouble the wedding. The bride and groom are not allowed to leave house until the wedding ceremony.^[38]

Lada it is the Sindhi ladies Sangeet ceremony. The groom's family host this event where all female relatives, friends, and neighbors even groom's family is also invited, women also dance on the music.^[39]

Tih The bride's family with priest visits the groom's place, the priest carrying several items called "Shubh Samagri" in a bag of rice, sugar, spices, coconut, sweets, dates and a green colored ball of silk yarn. Along with a piece of paper on which auspicious time is written. After reaching at groom's house the priest conducts a "Ganesh Pooja" with the samagris he brought, and places the piece of paper in the groom's lap.^[40]

Bukki/Santh

Whereas, for groom, bukki is performed with "Saanth". After applying oil and haldi to groom by married women, symbolizing groom to leave behind his single life, to married life. This ritual is called "Dikh"^[41]

Sagri/Mehndi This ritual is the formal introduction of both families of bride and groom.^[37]

Mehendi the family gathers around the bride in a fun filled ceremony where the bride is applied beautiful designs of "Mehdi" (Henna) on her hands, arms and feet.^[37]

Jenya it is a thread ceremony called "Upanayana" a sacred ritual at the groom's house. A sacred prayer is performed along a traditional yajna ritual.^[33][42]

Measuring the Groom.^[43]

The day of wedding[edit]

The Sindhi groom traditionally wears a decorated kurta and pyjama for the wedding, nowadays a Sherwani with churidaar pyjama are also worn. The Sherwanis are mostly heavily embroidered with zari, stones and beads. A pagdi (turban) on head which is tied by his father. Minimal jewelry is also worn, usually a bracelet and a gold chain on neck. A long scarf/shawl is carried on shoulder.

The Sindhi bride wears traditional red Lehenga Choli for her wedding.

Baraat Once the groom is ready he sets off from his house with his family, friends and relatives, with full music and dance, when arrived at the wedding venue, the groom's friends and family dance, sing on dhol and shehnai sound.

Swagat, she performs a traditional aarti (prayer), tilak and she pulls groom's nose playfully. Sugar and cardamom is offered to groom. Then the groom enters in wedding venue and made to sit in mandap, the bride is then made to sit in groom's side.^[37]

Pao Dhulai.

Jaimala after Pao Dhulai.^[37]

Palli-Pallo the ends of bride's dupatta "headscarf" is tied with groom's shawl by his sister. The groom's sister ties two knots with few rice grains in the knot.

Hathialo/Hathiola is a sindhi Hindu wedding ritual in which the right hand of bride is tied with the groom's right hand and a red cloth is used, to cover the tied hands, then bride and groom pray to the God together.^[33][37]

Kanyadaan In this ritual the father of bride pours holy water over the joined hands of the couple, he requestes groom to love, respect and care the bride for the rest of their lives.^[37]

Phera.^[44][41]

Saptapadi.^[37][33]

Vidai after the saptapadi ritual, the wedding is completed and the newly wedded couple seek the blessings of elders by touching their feet. Then the couple leaves the wedding venue, the bride leaves her parental house, she goodbyes her family, while getting emotional. The bride receives gifts from her father before she departs for her new home.^[37]

Post-wedding Rituals[edit]

Datar: when the bride reaches to her in-laws' house along her husband. Then the bride's feet are washed with water and milk by groom's family.^[33][37]

Chhanar.

Satawara The bride with her husband will visit her parents' house for lunch or dinner post their wedding, the auspicious day of satawara is decided by the priest.^[45]

The reception, called "gadjani", is hosted by the groom's family. Food is served alongside singing, dancing and drinking.^[34]

Hindu death and funerary traditions[edit]

The death rituals are almost same as other Hindu rituals of subcontinent, the Hindus mostly do cremation of dead bodies, but many Sindhi hindus in Sindh also bury their dead bodies.

Marka The Marka is a prayer meeting held usually within three days of a person's death.

Leisure[edit]

Kite flying[edit]

This section is empty. You can help by adding to it. (February 2024)

^[2][46][47]

Kabootarbazi[edit]

This section is empty. You can help by adding to it. (February 2024)

^[48]

Ghata fight[edit]

This section is empty. You can help by adding to it. (February 2024)

^[49][2][48]

Mallah wrestling[edit]

Ancient Sindhi wrestling game.^[50] Sindhis are very fond of wrestling, the Mallah (wrestlers), those people who are selected for this wrestling are broad and powerful men, with prominent muscles and large bones. They are carefully trained on flesh, clarified butter and milk, and compelled to abstain from flatulent food, drinking, and smoking. They are not fattened up with sweetmeats, and generally enter the ring in first-rate condition. An Ustad (trainer) teaches the different "Ari" (or Band- tricks and feints). The dress worn during the contest is the "Patko", worn round the head, a pair of drawers and a waist-band.^[2][50]

Malakhro[edit]

Malakhro is an ancient Sindhi form of wrestling in Sindh, which dates back 5000 years. The match begins with both wrestlers tying a twisted cloth around the opponent's waist. Each one then holds onto the opponent's waist cloth and tries to throw him to the ground. Malakhro is one of the favorite sports among males in Sindh. Malakhara matches are generally held on holidays and Fridays and in every local fairs and festivals. Rich feudal lords and influential persons maintain famous "Malhoo" (wrestlers) and organize matches for them.^[51][2][52]

Kukaran ji Wehr[edit]

The cockfighting is a popular entertainment of local of Sindh.^[53][54]

Horse race, Camel race and Bull race[edit]

The horse, camel and bull race is one of the popular games in Sindh, mostly take place on fairs (mela) of local dargahs of pirs (tombs of saints).^[55][56][47]

Games[edit]

Chanarpisi[edit]

This section is empty. You can help by adding to it. (February 2024)

^[57][58][59]

Tritran[edit]

The Tritran (Three Corners) of the Sindhis is the same as that called "Katar" by the Persians and afghans. The latter people are very fond of it, especially the lower orders in the country villages, where the greybeards assemble and play together for hours over a few lines marked with a stick on the ground. Even in Sindh, it is rare to find such an article of refinement as a board or a cloth made for Tritran. The game is very simple: each player has three pieces (generally pebbles or cowries), which are put down in turn, and he wins that first can place all three in a straight line. Nautran (nine-corners), and Sorahtran (sixteen-corners) are games resembling Tritran in all points, except that the lines and counters are more numerous.^[2]

Chopar/Dhāro[edit]

Chopar a cross and circle board game very similar to pachisi, played in Sindh. It was the favorite game of kings and princes of Sindh, that it was given to daughters in dowry. The famous story of Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai "Moomal Rano" when rano got angered after seeing moomal in bed with her sister soomal disguised in male clothes, he left in anger, when moomal realized, she went to rano disguised in "jogi" clothes to get to meet him and played chopar game with rano. The board is made of wool or cloth, with wooden pawns and seven cowry shells used to determine each player's move, chaupur is distinguished from pachisi because of the use of three four-sided long dice.^[59]

Shatranj[edit]

Shatranj is an indoor chess game, which is believed to have been invented in Sindh. There were many famous players of this game.^[5]

Other indigenous games are "Bilhāro" a rough kind of "prisoner's base", Gili/Iti Dakar is (tipcat), "Tizi" a type of hopscotch, "Biloor/Gidan" marbles etc.^[5]

References[edit]