Sindhi cap

The Sindhi cap also known as Sindhi topi (Sindhi: سنڌي ٽوپي ‎, Urdu: سندھی ٹوپی‎) is a skullcap worn predominantly by Sindhi people of Sindh province in Pakistan, however, it has also been worn by the Saraiki people, Baloch people and Pashtuns, and can be found throughout Pakistan. Together with Ajrak or Saraiki Ajrak, the Sindhi topi is regarded as an essential part of Sindhi and Saraiki culture.[1]

Sindhi cap (Saraiki topi)

Sindhi cap—front view

Ajrak detail on handmade Sindhi cap

The hat is circular/cylindrical except for a portion cut out in the front to expose the forehead the cut in the front is shaped like a arch cut. Intricate geometrical designs are embroidered on the hat, and very often small pieces of mirror and gemstones are sewed into it. In Sindhi culture, the Sindhi topi is often given as a gift or as a sign of respect, along with the Ajrak. In December 2009, "Sindhi Topi Day" was celebrated in Pakistan's Sindh province to celebrate the Sindhi cap, and Sindhi culture in general. In 2010, the day was renamed to Sindhi Cultural Day.

Hand-woven Sindhi topis are work of hard labour. It is usually celebrated on the first Sunday of every December. It is symbolic event to show the spirit of Sindhi culture throughout Pakistan. Sindhi topis are primarily produced in Tharparkar, Umerkot, Sanghar, Kandhkot, Larkana, Nawabshah, and some other districts of the Sindh.[2]

Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Jr wearing a Sindhi cap