Balochistan has a lot of deserts, mountains, and barren land. The Balochi culture is full of customs, arts, and crafts. One of the most famous arts and crafts that women do is Balochi embroidery. People also know Baluchistan for its famous tribes and events. Balochi culture is well known for its practice of telling stories. In Baloch society, poets and storytellers are given a lot of respect.
Tribes of Balochi Culture
Balochi language is spoken by people from the Baloch tribe. The Balochi language is an old one. The Iranian branch of the Indo-European line is where it comes from. It is similar to languages that are now thought to be dead, such as Sansikrat, Avesta, Old Persian, and Phalavi. This tribe is also split into and
Rind, Lashar, Marri, Jamot, Ahmedzai, Bugti, domki, Magsi, Khosa, Rakhashani, Dashti, Umrani, Nosherwani, Gichki, Buledi, Sanjarani and Khidai are famous Balochi tribes.
Moreover, the head of the tribe is called “sardar,” and the heads of the smaller tribes are called “Malik,” “Takari,” or “Mir.” The people who run these tribes are part of the areas and local Jirgas.
Marriages in Balochi Culture
Marriages in Baloch society are different and unique from those in other parts of the country. The weddings are done according to Islamic rules in the presence of a Mullana and witnesses. Most marriages happen when people are young (in their teens), but they are planned when they are young or at birth. Most marriages happen within the same tribe, but sometimes marriages between groups also happen. Baluchistan has a very low divorce rate compared to other parts of Pakistan. This is because they think divorce is a sign of disrespect for the family and the honor of the tribe. Different groups have different ways of doing things. In some groups, the groom gives a certain amount of money to the family of the bride. This is called “Valver.”
Dressing in Balochi Culture
Baloch society wears the national dress of Pakistan, the shalwar kameez, but with some changes and additions that make it unique. In all groups, people dress in a way that looks good and is the same everywhere. Bloch men often wear a turban on their heads, along with wide, loose shalwar pants and knee-length shirts. Dress for women is a shirt with a big pocket, needlework, and a round piece of mirror work sewn into the front. Moreover, the head and shoulders are covered with a large Dupatta or Chaddar.
Festivals of Balochi Culture
Baloch people have holidays that are both religious and social. The holy holidays, like Eid-ul-Azha and Eid-ul-Fiter, are the same everywhere in the country. People celebrate these faith holidays by decorating their homes, buying new clothes, and making special meals. Apart from that, Balochi culture is full of social events like the Sibi festival, which has folk music performances, cultural dances, handicrafts stalls, cattle shows, and many other fun things that show the colorful side of Baloch people. Buzkashi is another Baloch element that shows how brave and smart Baloch people are. Two teams on horses try to steal a goat from each other as part of the celebration.
Music of Baluch people
Folk music, dances, and songs are a big part of Baloch culture. Nazenk and Salonk are well-known Baloch wedding songs. Most of the music is made with flutes called Nal, Tamboora, and Soroz. Dochaap is the name of a dance that Baloch people often do. At times, women also move around in a circle and clap their hands. There are also the Lewa, the Latti, and the Hambo.
Food
Most Baloch people eat in the morning and in the evening. Men and women eat in different places. The Baloch meal includes wheat, millet, and rice. Also, meat is a big part, and “Sajji” is the food that most people like best. Sajji is the only food that Baloch people eat with a knife. Most of the time, they eat with their hands. Baloch food also has things like milk, butter, and veggies.
Sports in Balochi Culture
Chauk and Ji are two popular games. Furthermore, richer people in tribes like to play games like wrestling, horse races, shooting, and hunting. Additionally, tribal groups also like to play card games and gamble.
Check out our article on Saraiki Culture, which is another beautiful culture of Pakistan.