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CULTURE AND HERITAGE

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PEOPLE
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A number of tribes constitute to make people of Balochistan. Three major tribes are Baloch (Baloch & Brahvi) and Pashtoon. The Balochi
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speaking tribes include Rind, Lashar, Marri, Jamot, Ahmedzai, Bugti Domki, Magsi, Kenazai, Khosa, Rakhashani, Dashti, Umrani,
Nosherwani, Gichki, Buledi, Notazai, Sanjarani, Meerwani, Zahrozai, langove, kenazai, Khidai and Sirmastani. Each tribe is further sub-
divided into various branches. The tribal chief is called Sardar while head of sub-tribe is known as Malik, Takari or Mir. Sardars and Maliks
are members of district and other local Jirgas according to their status. The Baloch, believed to have originally come from Arabia or Asia
minor, can be divided in to two branches: the Sulemani and Mekrani as distinct from the Brahvis who mostly concentrate in central
Balochistan. Among the eighteen major Baloch tribes, Bugtis and Marris are the principal ones who are settled in the buttresses of the
Sulemania. The Talpur of Sind aIso claim their Baloch origin.

Brahvi speaking tribe include Raisani, Shahwani, Sumulani, Sarparrah, Bangulzai, Mohammad Shahi, Lehri, Bezenjo, Mohammad Hasni,
Zehri , Sarparrah, Mengal, Kurd,Sasoli, Satakzai, Lango, Rodeni, Kalmati, Jattak, Yagazehi and Qambarani  , most of these tribes are bi-
lingual and are quite fluent both in the Balochi and Brahvi Languages. The Pashtoon tribes include Kakar, Ghilzai Tareen, Mandokhel ,
Sherani, Luni, Kasi and Achakzai.

LANGUAGES
Balochistan, despite its scarce population, has an uncommon racial and tribal diversity. Most of the people in the cities and towns
understand and speak more than two languages. In adddition to Balochi, Pashtoo and Brahvi, the majority of the population understand
and speak Urdu, the national language. In Kachhi and Sibi districts, people speak Seraiki and Sindhi. Quetta city, the confluence point of all
linguistic groups accommodates not only Urdu, Balochi, Pashtoo, Brahvi and Sindhi speaking people but Darri and Persian speaking ones
as well. Dehwar tribe of Sarawan sub-division in Kalat, also speaks a language derived from Persian.

CULTURE
Cultural landscape of Balochistan portrays various ethnic groups. Though people speak different languages, there is a similarity in their
literature, beliefs, moral order and customs. The cementing factor is religion which provides a base for unity and common social order.

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Brahvi, Balochi and Pashtoon tribes are known for their hospitality. Guest is accorded is held in high esteem and considered a blessing
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from God. Better off people even slaughter sheep or goat for their guest. Sometimes, it so happens that where there are more houses, the
guest is assumed to be the guest of the whole village. This open heartedness is the loving feature of the tribal people and is not as deep in
the city or town dwellers.

Another adorable feature of Balochistan culture is faithfulness and sincerity in all relationships. There is no place or respect for unfaithful
people in prevalent moral order. If fidelity is reciprocated with disloyalty or betrayal it is never forgotten.

MARRIAGES
Marriages are solemnized in presence of Mullah (a religious teacher) and witnesses. Life partners are commonly selected within the family
(constituting all close relatives) or tribe. Except a negligible fraction of love marriages, all marriages are arranged. Divorce rate is very low.

A lot of marriage rituals are celebrated in different tribes. In some tribes, the takings of “Valver”, a sum of money paid by the groom to his to
be wife’s family, also exist. But this custom is now gradually dying out since it has given rise to many social problems. The birth of a male
child is taken as a source of p ride since he is though t to be the defender of this family and tribe.

DRESS
The mode of dress among the Balochi, Pashtoon and Brahvi tribes is very similar having a few minor dissimilarities. Turban is the common
headwear of the men. Wide loose shalwar (a bit similar to loose trouser) and knee-long shirts are worn by all. The dress of the woman
consists of the typical shirt having a big pocket in front. The shirt normally has embroidery work with embedded small round mirror pieces.
Big ‘Dopatta’ or ‘Chaddar’, a long rectangular piece of cloth cascading down the shoulders and used to cover head, are used by the
women.

FESTIVALS

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There are religious and social festivals celebrated by the people of Balochistan. Two major religious festivals are Eid-ul-Azha and Eid-ul-
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Fiter. On these festivals people adorn their houses, wear new dresses, cook special dishes and visit each other. Eid-Meladun-Nabi is
another religious festival. It is a celebration of the Holy Prophet’s birthday. Numerous colorful social festivals are also source of jubilation.
Sibi festival that traces its roots to Mehergar, an archeological site of ancient human civilization, attracts people from across the country. It
is attended by common folks, ministers and other government officials. Folk music performance, cultural dances, handicrafts stalls, cattle
shows and a number of other amusing activities present a perfect riot of color. Buzkashi is a peculiar festival showing valour of Balochistan
people. It is celebrated on horse-back by two teams that use their skills to snatch a goat from the each other.

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