Sindhi folklore

Sindhi folklore (Sindhi: لوڪ ادب) is a rich cultural tradition that has evolved in Sindh over centuries. The region is abundant in folklore, expressed in diverse forms and vibrant colors, ranging from the well-known tales of Watayo Faqir and the legend of Moriro to the epic poetry of Dodo Chanesar and the heroic story of Umar Marvi. Sindhi folklore stands out among the region's traditions, particularly with the love story of Sassui, who longs for her lover Punhu, a tale sung and cherished in every Sindhi house. Other notable stories include the legend of Umar Marui and the tale of Suhuni Mehar (known as Sohni Mahiwal in Punjab).

Sindhi folk singers and women play a crucial role in preserving and transmitting these folktales. They passionately sing the stories of Sindh in every village, keeping the folklore alive through their music.

Mural of the folktale of Laila and Majnun in the tomb of Sobdar Jamali in Sindh, which collapsed in 2010

Details

Sindhi folklore has been compiled in a series of forty volumes under Sindhi Adabi Board's project of Folklore and Literature. This valuable project was accomplished by noted Sindhi scholar Dr.Nabi Bux Baloch.

The organization has published Sindhi folklore, poetry, lexicography, archaeology and original literary works. These works have included anthologies of poetry works of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai, Sachal Sarmast, Chen Rai Sami, Khalifo Nabi Bux Laghari, Miyoon Shah Inayat, Hamal Khan Laghari, Talib-ul-Mola and other mystic poets of Sindh.

The Board has published translations of selected works, manuscripts and other writings from world literature into the Sindhi language.

The material for the project has been collected both from the oral traditions village folks and the written record. This folklore series deals with diverse segments Sindhi folklore and literature, e.g., fables and fairy tales, pseudo-historical romances, folk-poetry, folk songs, proverbs, and riddles. These thirty volumes include:

1. Sarmad Sindhi
2. Madahun ain Manajatun (مداحون ۽ مناجاتون)
3. Munaqiba (مناقبا)
4. Mu'jiza (معجزه)
5. Maulud (مولود)
6. Tiha akhariyun or Siharfi (ٽيه اکريون)
7. Bait (بيت)
8. Waqi ati baita (واقعاتي بيت)
9. Nar ja baita (نڙ جا بيت)
10. Lok Geet (لوڪ گيت)
11. Lok Kahaniyun (لوڪ ڪهاڻيون)
12. Ishqia dastan (عشقيه داستان)
13. Moriro ain Mangarmachh (مورڙو ۽ مانگر مڇ)
14. Lilan Chanesar (ليلان چنيسر)
15. Umar Marui (عمر مارئي)
16. Momal Rano (مومل راڻو)
17. Noori Jam Tamachi (نوري ڄام تماچي)
18. Sassui Punhun (سسئي پنهون)
19. Rites and rituals, ceremonies and superstitions (رسمون رواج۽ سوڻ ساٺ)
20. Dodo Chanesar (دودو چنيسر)
21. Jung Namo (جنگنامو)
22. Sindhi Riddles (ڳجهارتون)
23. Geecha (ڳيچ)
24. Sohni Mehar (سهڻي ميهار)
25. Doar (ڏور)
26. Doro (ڏورو)
27. Sehra ain Lada (سھرا ۽ لاڏا)

See also

• Punjabi folklore
• Pakistani folklore

Further reading

• Ajwani, L. H. (1960). History Of Sindhi Literature. New Delhi: Sahitya Akademi.

External links

• Sindhi Adabi Board