Culture of Balochistan

The culture of Balochistan (Urdu: بلوچ ثقافت‎) or simply Balochi culture is defined in terms of religious values, Balochi and Brahui language, literature and traditional values of mutual respect. It has its roots in the Urdu, Balochi, Brahui and Pashto.[1] Folk music, handicraft, drama and Balochi cinema plays a significant role in Balochi culture.[2][3][4] Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan, has several beautiful historical monuments such as Pirak, Chaukhandi tombs and Quaid-e-Azam Residency.[5]

Baloch people celebrating Culture Day, 2016

Balochistan celebrates its culture day every year where people from different villages gather together to organise several types of cultural programs. It marks its historical significances across the provincial state.[6] It includes folk music, dance, craft exhibition and other activities.[7]

Beliefs

Likewise other people around the world, Balochistan people are also known for believing in supernatural powers such as wind, and sea. They believe that crossing the boundaries of supernatural power "nazzar" (evil eye) and "jinn" (demons, spirits), can affect or curse a human life.[8]

Background

One of the most important parts of the cultural identity of Baloch people is the Pashtu and Saraiki languages, "99th most spoken language in the world". This language is spoken only by native people as it is one of the toughest languages. Besides language, Baloch dressing has been greatly influenced by the entire country. Their nomadic life style is completely different than other provincial states of the country.[9]

Despite celebrating several colourful festivals peacefully and traditionally,[10] there is also an unlawful tradition or settlement practice called Baad. Baad (dispute resolution) is an "unlawful marriage custom" found in its Harnai district that is used to make settlements between the two enemies. To be more specific, a girl is given in a compensation to a victim whose brother or any family member has been killed/murdered by the girl's very close relatives such as brother or father. All the decisions related to this custom are made by a single individual called jirga, who heads the tribal court. The young woman is then given to deceased's family "without her consent".[11][12]

Cuisine
Main article: Balochi cuisine
Sajji cooked dish of Balochistan

Balochi cuisine is noted for its traditional and unique food culture. Dalag is among prominent foods which is regarded by the Balochi people as a core element of their culture and identity. "Sajji" is another dish that has now become familiar in other parts of the country.[13][14]

Festivals
Main article: List of festivals in Pakistan

Balochistan is the only state in Pakistan where "Jashn-e-Kalat" festival is being celebrated. This festival involves in circus performances, rifle shooting and other cultural programs and shows. It was named after an emperor who ruled this region. The festival is celebrated to honour the diversified culture of Balochistan state.[15][16]

References
  1. Shah, Syed Ali (9 January 2014). "Regional languages to be included in Balochistan curriculum". DAWN.COM.
  2. "Baloch Culture Day". The Nation. 12 March 2019.
  3. "Baloch culture day celebrated with zeal, colourful events". www.thenews.com.pk.
  4. "The rich culture of Balochistan". Daily Times. 21 February 2019.
  5. "Glorious tombs of Balochistan". 27 April 2018.
  6. "Baloch Cultural Day celebrated with colourful functions, gatherings - Pakistan Today". www.pakistantoday.com.pk.
  7. "Baloch Culture Day festivities observed across the Balochistan". www.radio.gov.pk.
  8. Sultana, Farhat (1 May 2013). "Ethnicity and Healing Rituals in Gwadar, Balochistan, Pakistan". The Journal of the Middle East and Africa. 4 (2): 169–185. doi:10.1080/21520844.2013.831020.
  9. "Song and dance — the rich culture of Balochistan". Daily Times. 10 April 2019.
  10. "Balochistan celebrates cultural day". The Express Tribune. 3 March 2018.
  11. "Baad: A Cruel Tradition in Balochistan". thediplomat.com.
  12. "Pak girls to be married off to settle tribal dispute". Deccan Herald. 9 October 2012.
  13. "Dalag — a popular Balochi dish". Daily Times. 23 May 2019.
  14. "Balochi dishes gaining popularity in twin cities". The Nation. 3 March 2018.
  15. "Balochistan gears up for Jashn-e-Kalat | SAMAA". Samaa TV.
  16. "Here's Everything You Need to Know About Jashan-e-Kalat!". A blog about real estate, lifestyle and tourism in Pakistan | Zameen Blog.
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