KARACHI, May 26: The crocodile festival, popularly known as ‘Sheedi Mela’ started here at Manghopir on Sunday with traditional fanfare amid beating of drum and blowing of incense smoke in the courtyard of the Mazar of Hazrat Khawaja Hassan, known as Sakhi Sultan Manghopir.

The ceremonial start later led to the traditional feeding of food to crocodiles dwelling in the shrine’s natural pool with zeal and enthusiasm demonstrated by the Sheedi clan.

This Mela is held every year in the foothills of Manghopir and holds both religious and cultural significance for the clan which is largely involved in organizing it.

After initial rituals, the clan prepared for performing the rites of ‘Tilak’ (or Teeka i.e. dabbing colour to the forehead of chief crocodile) named Moro Sahib.

Earlier. Sheedi clanswomen started the day preparing sweet meat (Halwa) after Fajr prayers. As the day progresses the rite of beating a big drum, supported by smaller ones, called ‘Magarman’ started and continued till sunset.

Slaughtering of a sheep preceded the start of drum beating. The sheep’s head is sacrificed and fed to the chief crocodile at a later stage.

The Magarman, wrapped in a colourful silk cloth, is a privilege of specific respected Sheedis who appeared oblivious hunger or thirst as they constantly beat the drum.

This Sheedis call the rite of drum beating ‘Maezman’, an African word means ‘beating of drum’.

Maezman coincides with songs sung by the clan people in different languages that resemble Swahili (an East African coastal dialect), Sindhi and Balochi.

The participants of Mela then move in a procession towards the compound behind the saint’s tomb to the crocodiles dwelling.

Some men and women dance while moving in the procession and carry a decorated stick in their hands. A ‘Dhamal’ (collective thrilling dance) follows.

Scores of stalls with bangles, ornaments, embroidered clothing and other merchandize, besides edibles, did a roaring business as a large number of clan people and other visitors turned up at the Mela.

The festivities continued till about 4pm when a ‘Langar’ (free food) was served.—APP