Sindhi Culture
A rich tapestry of music, dance, folklore, and the spirit of Sindh
The Sindhis are a peaceful, hardworking, hospitable, and open-minded community. They have built up the image of Indians abroad as a prosperous and dependable people. They are free from the inhibitions of caste and creed. In Sindhi temples you will find the images of Sri Rama and Sri Krishna placed, side by side, with those of Shiva and Durga and Guru Nanak. The Sindhis are cosmopolitan in their outlook — they are the only truly universal Indians.
Folk Music
Hojamalo and devotional songs of Jhulelal carried by rhythmic beats found nowhere else
Folk Dance
Chhej, Dhamal, Bhtaga — dances full of life, vitality, and spiritual expression
Bhagat
An original pure art form weaving song, dance, and devotional narrative
Wedding Traditions
Ladda songs, Laada ceremonies, and the famous Sindhi showmanship
Folk Lore
What exactly does the word folklore connote? In its simplest manifestation it symbolises the culture of the unsophisticated — the expression, mostly in song and dance, of the customs, traditions, manners, aspirations, and the entire social and religious life of the people at all levels.
Every Sindhi likes Hojamalo. The song which pertains to the Bahrano is a very famous song of Jhule, Jhule, Jhule — Jhulelal. It is only a Sindhi who can interpret the spirit of these songs, though anyone who listens to them will, almost without exception, be carried by its rhythmic beat like no other in the world.
Chhej
Chhej is performed only by men. It is somewhat similar to Dokla Ras of Kathiawar, but considerably more intricate in pattern, steps, and rhythmic beats. The instruments used are the Sharnai and the Dudul — the Shehnai and the drum.
Another dance performed only by men is Dhamal, performed by Fakirs and disciples of a particular shrine at the time when the flag of the shrine goes up. This is a dance characterised by religious frenzy and has a very fast tempo. The Nagharo (a big drum) provides both the rhythmic beat and tempo for the Dhamal.
Ladda — Wedding Songs
Ladda songs are sung before actual weddings, their very lilt suggesting careless abandon and the gaiety that marks a celebration. Sindhis are very famous for showmanship; on the occasion of the marriage of a son, they will not hesitate to spend lavishly on decorations, music, dance, and photography. The famous Laado songs include Sonu Bajuband, Lado Panhijee Kunwar Lai Aanedo and many others that are staples of Sindhi matrimonial celebrations.
Bhagat — The Soul of Sindhi Performance
Bhagat is an original and pure art form of Sindhi music and dance. This is one art form which can truly be called Sindhi folk — meant for the masses. The mere announcement of a Bhagat performance brought people from near and far. This song-and-dance extravaganza called for expertise in both singing and dancing — one without the other was no good.
Performances were usually held at night and lasted till the wee hours of the morning. The lead singer or bhagat wore a chher, jamo, pagdi, and kundal with a bright tilak on the forehead, singing in a style somewhat akin to qawwals. The crowd sat on two sides with a centre aisle — much like a fashion show — as the bhagat moved back and forth among them.
Bhagat Kanwarram
Among bhagats, Sant Kanwarram was one of the most legendary performers, who went on to become a saint for Sindhis. His soulful voice once, it is said, brought back a dead child to life — a miracle many witnessed with their own eyes. Especially known for his rendition of Sur Prabhati (sung early in the morning), Sant Kanwarram was beloved not only by Sindhi Hindus but by Muslims as well.
Other great bhagats included: Bhagat Naru, Bhagat Jadaram, Bhagat Leelo, Bhagat Tharu, Bhagat Parso, Bhagat Motan, Bhagat Sobho, Bhagat Dharmu, Bhagat Dilo, Bhagat Shewo, Bhagat Dwaru, Bhagat Ghansho, and Bhagat Khanuram.