Culture of Balochistan
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The culture of Balochistan ( ur, ), ( bal, بلۏچی دۏد) or simply Baloch culture is defined in terms of religious values, Balochi and
Brahui language Brahui (; brh, , links=no; also known as Brahvi or Brohi) is a Dravidian language spoken by some of the Brahui people. The language is spoken primarily in the central part of the Balochistan Province of Pakistan, with smaller communities of sp ...
, literature and traditional values of mutual respect. It has its roots in the
Urdu Urdu (;"Urdu"
'' Balochi, Brahui, Sindhi, and
Pashto Pashto (,; , ) is an Eastern Iranian language in the Indo-European language family. It is known in historical Persian literature as Afghani (). Spoken as a native language mostly by ethnic Pashtuns, it is one of the two official langua ...
. Folk music, handicraft, drama and
Balochi cinema Balochi cinema refers to the Balochi-language film industry in Pakistan, Iran, and among the Baloch diaspora. History The first Balochi feature film, ''Hammal O Mahganj'', was produced by Anwar Iqbal and released in Pakistan in 1976. However, th ...
plays a significant role in Baloch culture.
Quetta Quetta (; ur, ; ; ps, کوټه‎) is the tenth most populous city in Pakistan with a population of over 1.1 million. It is situated in south-west of the country close to the International border with Afghanistan. It is the capital of ...
, the provincial capital of Balochistan, has several beautiful historical monuments such as
Pirak Pirak ( ur, ) is an archaeological site belonging to the Indus Valley civilization located in Balochistan, Pakistan. It is 20 km south of Sibi east of the Nari River. The mound is 8m high and covers approximately . The site of Pirak was fi ...
,
Chaukhandi tombs The Chaukhandi ( ur, ; sd, چوڪُنڊي ) tombs form an early Islamic cemetery situated east of Karachi, Sindh province of Pakistan. The tombs are notable for their elaborate sandstone carvings. The tombs are similar in style to the elabo ...
and Quaid-e-Azam Residency. 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. It includes folk music, dance, craft exhibition and other activities.


Beliefs

Likewise other people around the world, Balochistann 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 The Evil Eye ( grc, ὀφθαλμὸς βάσκανος; grc-koi, ὀφθαλμὸς πονηρός; el, (κακό) μάτι; he, עַיִן הָרָע, ; Romanian: ''Deochi''; it, malocchio; es, mal de ojo; pt, mau-olhado, olho gordo; ar ...
) and "jinn" ( demons,
spirits Spirit or spirits may refer to: Liquor and other volatile liquids * Spirits, a.k.a. liquor, distilled alcoholic drinks * Spirit or tincture, an extract of plant or animal material dissolved in ethanol * Volatile (especially flammable) liquids, ...
), can affect or curse a human life.


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. Despite celebrating several colourful festivals peacefully and traditionally, there is also an unlawful tradition or settlement practice called Baad. Baad (dispute resolution) is an "unlawful marriage custom" found in its
Harnai Harnai ( ps, هرنای, ur, ) is the capital of Harnai District in the Balochistan province of Pakistan. It was previously in Sibi District. It is located in the northeast of Balochistan province. The town is surrounded by the cities Ziarat ...
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 A jirga ( ps, جرګه, ''jərga'') is an assembly of leaders that makes decisions by consensus according to Pashtunwali, the Pashtuns, Pashtun social code. It is conducted in order to settle disputes among the Pashtuns, but also by members of oth ...
, who heads the tribal court. The young woman is then given to deceased's family "without her consent".


Food

Baloch cuisine is noted for its traditional and unique food culture. Dalag is among prominent foods which is regarded by the Baloch 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.


Festivals

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.


References

{{Authority control Culture of Balochistan, Pakistan