FAIRS are celebrated everywhere in the world with great cultural and historical backgrounds, sometimes to commemorate a special event or seasonal change, such as the Orange March in Northern Ireland, Bulls on the Road in Spain, Basant, Shindor Mela, Lahore’s Horse and Cattle Show and the Sibi Mela in Balochistan. This fair, held in the small but historic town of Sibi located near the mouth of the Bolan Pass, has deep-rooted historic traces and vast economic, cultural and political perspectives in Balochistan.
Opinions of historians about the beginnings of Sibi celebrations vary. Some link it with the remains of the Barter system, when Sibi was the centre of business for the traders dealing with the nomadic Baloch tribes. The tribesmen had to spend their winters in the plains of Kachhi and Sindh, and return to Sarawan and Khurasan in the months of February and March. Before leaving Sibi for another season, they would make purchases on a large scale in return for livestock, which would be of great benefit for the traders. The latter would buy them and sell them for a handsome profit in other areas of the subcontinent.
Other historians maintain that the great Baloch hero, Mir Chakar Khan Rind (a contemporary of Akber the Great), was the mastermind behind this celebration. In the reign of Chakar Khan, Sibi was made the capital of the Baloch confederacy where, at the end of Winter and coming of Spring, a rendezvous of tribal leaders to magistrate their inter or intra-tribal hostilities would be take place under the presidency of Chakar Khan. This custom gradually converted into an annual event.
Britishers quote in 1885 that a horse fair was first held at Sibi in the month of February, which was fully availed by them during the Afghan war. Whatever the hypothesis, the Sibi Mela provided a greater opportunity for people to get together and the increasing items of games and events aggrandized the interest of the common masses into the festivals of Sibi. The cooperation of the people of the adjoining areas in the sale and purchase of cattles was also vitally important in its organization.
Sibi also arrested the attention of British rulers who declared it to be the Winter capital of Balochistan agency, and carried on the tradition of organizing the annual fair in Sibi with compulsory participation of the Baloch Sardars. The introduction of holding a court presided over by an agent or governor-general and consisting of tribal leaders called Shahi Jirga were the only modifications in the events of the Sibi Mela. The Jirga would dispense a robe of honour, certificates and prizes as rewards among tribal leaders for services rendered to the British Crown.
After the creation of Pakistan, Shahi Jirga was redesigned as Sibi Darbar and headed in 1948 by Quaid-i-Azam Mohammed Ali Jinnah. Sibi Darbar kept changing its name and nature, named as the Divisional Jirga and events comprising agricultural and industrial exhibitions, display of farm tools and farm output, besides merriment as its prime events.
The present-day Sibi Mela offers a long range of entertainment and an opportunity for economic growth. The innovations of different government agencies and departments have made it a field of contest, and every institution wants to display its best performance. The competition for cash prize for the best grower, if, on the one hand, enhances the spirit of competition among farmers, it also educates other farmers to adopt modern techniques for larger production and greater returns.
The thematic parade of the best cattle, sheep, goats, camels and horses enjoys unique distinction. Camel and horse dances, tent pegging and dog racing are the main features of the opening and closing ceremonies. The owners of the best bulls and cows are awarded prizes, shields and cash. Sibi witnesses the arrival of a huge number of cattle, horses and sheep for selling purposes. Balochistan’s cattle breed of Ball Nari and Bagh Nari is very popular among farmers for agriculture purposes. Millions of rupees exchange hands here. A livestock vaccination centre to prevent epidemic diseases is also established. The Sibi Mela becomes a big market for sheep owners, too, who also receive prizes and shields.
On the eve of the Mela, an agricultural and industrial exhibition is held annually and largely attended by multinational and national business enterprises. Many governmental and non-governmental organizations also establish their stalls to inform the masses of the services they provide. Some stalls reflect the traditional cultural and tribal life of Balochistan. One can see stalls belonging to other provinces as well. The convention of local bodies, folk dances, drama, musical concerts, mehfil-i-mushaira, husn-i-qirat, mehfil-i-milad, Meena Bazaar, variety shows and different kinds of sports, circus and events are the other entertaining elements in this historical fair.
The participation of the head of the state is a must in this biggest event in the province of Balochistan. Dignitaries from within the country and abroad also attend the colourful events of the Sibi Mela.
People from other parts of the country and province are also guests on this occasion. This historic event, on a national level, cements national unity and fosters relations between the people of Balochistan and other provinces. And thus, the Sibi Mela keeps continuing in modern times with its strong historical references.
FAIRS are celebrated everywhere in the world with great cultural and historical backgrounds, sometimes to commemorate a special event or seasonal change, such as the Orange March in Northern Ireland, Bulls on the Road in Spain, Basant, Shindor Mela, Lahore’s Horse and Cattle Show and the Sibi Mela in Balochistan. This fair, held in the small but historic town of Sibi located near the mouth of the Bolan Pass, has deep-rooted historic traces and vast economic, cultural and political perspectives in Balochistan.
