The Sibi Tradition

Balochistan’s biggest commercial and cultural event is set to start on March 3 amid hopes and fears

QUETTA: Herders, artisans, artists, traders, businessmen, local administrations and even the private sector may pin their hopes on the upcoming Sibi Mela and call it a breath of fresh air after long-running economic troubles, exacerbated by last year’s devastating floods.

The residents of one of the hottest cities of the region are, however, ambivalent about the centuries old festival, scheduled to start from March 3, as they believe that the authorities need first to resolve the longstanding issues of backward Sibi.

Sibi Mela is the biggest cultural and commercial event of Balochistan, held every year at the start of the spring season in Sibi district, a historic city located some 300 km from Balochistan’s provincial capital.

This mela includes horse and cattle shows, cultural programmes, tent pegging competitions, camel races, folk dances, cattle markets, and exhibitions of handicrafts and tribal dresses.

According Dr Haider Ali, an academic associated with the Balochistan University, the mela provides an opportunity to the people of Balochistan to meet, trade and entertain.

“This festival was held as part of a meeting of Baloch tribal elders. Even today, tribal people from all over Balochistan and different parts of Sindh and Punjab come here along with their livestock,” he said.

“There are different opinions among historians and writers about the beginning of Sibi celebrations. Many connect it with the barter system when Sibi used to be a meeting point for nomadic Baloch tribes, a place where they did trade with each other,” he said.

Sibi Deputy Commissioner Mansoor Qazi said recent floods brought devastation to the people of Balochistan who can now make a new start thanks to the mela.

He said for the first time in the festival’s history, the district administration has invited the private sector to buy livestock from local herders so that the latter may get more profit.

“The administration looks forward to buyers from the other parts of the country to come here and buy the best livestock. This trade is going to boost the local economy,” he added.

The DC said the festival helps herders showcase their livestock.

“It offers them a market to sell their cattle; it offers rewards and recognition to them through exhibitions; it also offers them an opportunity to share knowledge and expertise with herders coming from other districts and provinces.”

He said the mela also creates opportunities for the residents of Sibi.

“It gives a boost to local businesses including the hospitality industry as outsiders stay here and purchase local products. It generates seasonal employment for locals.”

He said a cattle trade of Rs400 to Rs500 million takes place at the Sibi Mela every year.

“In addition to that taxable consumer products are also sold at stalls which is a source of revenue for the government. The mela generates an estimated multiplier effect of Rs7,500 to 8,000 million for the government each year,” he said.

Cultural activities

He said earlier cultural shows were held at the Jirga Hall which has a capacity of around 600 people but now these programmes will be held in open spaces with a seating arrangement for 5,000 people.

“Around 1,000 stalls will be established at the mela to create awareness among the visitors about the local culture. Local handicraft like Balochi turban, sandals and embroidered dresses will be available at these stalls “Agriculture centres are also to be established at the mela to showcase local fruits and plants.”

Qazi said the district administration this time plans to promote the local art.

“Earlier musicians, artists and singers were invited from other parts of Pakistan but this time there is a change in the theme to promote the local artists. Abid Brohi is a great hip-hop singer. Local bands like Marri Group will be hired for this year’s show which will represent the local talent and culture,” he said.

The deputy commissioner said a food street will also be established to showcase the cuisines of Balochistan. This will provide a great opportunity to the locals.

Qazi said the district administration is also planning to organize the Sibi Literary Festival and Book Fairs at the Chakar Khan University where writers will gather. “There will be entertainment, education, business, awareness sessions and much more,” he said.

However, Zakir Khan, a resident of Sibi, is not very enthusiastic about the festival.

“We are not excited about Sibi Mela. One can participate in a festival only when his basic needs are met. There is no point of holding this festival when locals are deprived of the basic necessities.” He said the festival should be postponed as the economy is on the verge of collapse and people are dying of hunger.

Saadullah Khan Barozai from the Gharibabad area of Sibi said they have informed the DC several times about the difficulties faced due to lack of proper place for the cattle brought here from far distant areas.

“The livestock is kept in the graveyard. An alternate space should be provided to herders as the graveyard is not a suitable place to keep animals. It will be better if funds are also used to solve other basic problems of the city as gas is not available here; roads are broken and there is no drinking water.”

Saleem Raisani said the yearly festival is part of Balochi tradition and people benefit from it.

“But if funds are allocated for betterment of the locals, development of Sibi and to resolve issues like shortage of gas, power outages and unemployment, it will be more beneficial.”

Fayaz Soomro wants the funds allocated for the festival to be spent properly.

“It is the hottest region in Asia. Transformers are damaged due to short circuits in summer and there is no facility here to repair them. A workshop should be established in Sibi so that the people may not have to face power outages in hot weather.”

Ismail Jamot said herders tend livestock the whole year but do not get a good profit.

“The government of Balochistan is requested to increase the herders’ annual compensation, so that they can raise livestock and make a living in times of inflation.”

Zahid Hussain was of the opinion that there is a need to rebrand the festival.

“The administration should run a proper advertisement campaign on mainstream and social media platforms to attract consumers and tourists.

“Bloggers, Youtubers, media persons and food bloggers not only from the country but from foreign countries as well should be invited especially so that they can promote this centuries’ old tradition.”

Nabi Bux said such events boost the morale of the people who are living in the “dark ages” without basic facilities.

“This festival provides them with an opportunity to get engaged in productive activities and interact with the people from other areas. Undeniably, there are multiple opportunities for them to earn at the festival,” he added.

Hammed Akbar said the local administration should collaborate with educational institutions for organizing specific events.

“We need to adapt to new realities. We should not keep the scope of the mela limited to certain things. We need to explore other dimensions as well,” he added.