SUKKUR: Snake charmers from across Sukkur and its adjoining areas thronged the Mohammed Bin Qasim park in this city on Monday to celebrate their ‘culture day’ organised by the Jogi Jagao Ittehad (JJI).

Belonging to the Jogi community, snake charmers clad in their traditional yellow shirts and turbans, entertained a large number of keen audience attracted to the tune of their flute.

Accompanying a group of a few promoters as well as helpers playing other musical instruments, each Jogi drew attention of a separate set of admirers to entertain them with his performance.

With different species of snakes dancing to the tunes of a Jogi’s flute within a small arena encircled by people, the park witnessed a host of such performances throughout the day.

According to Sahil Jogi, who heads the JJI, groups of Jogis travelled to the park from far-flung areas of Sukkur district to join in the ‘festival’, the main feature of the cultural day. Abdul Majeed Jogi, Dilbar Hussain, Ghulam Shabbir, Karim Bux, Mohammad Juman Jogi and other JJI leaders said they led these groups to a point within the city from where a big rally was taken out. All the groups gathered outside the Sukkur Press Club and then proceeded to the Mohammed Bin Qasim park where the public entertainment programme was scheduled to be held, they added.

“We are under obligation to disseminate Sufi Saint Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai’s message of peace, brotherhood and religious tolerance through our performances,” Sahil Jogi said about his community’s faith and following.

The Jogis and other entertainers accompanying them also had Ajraks clinging to the shoulder and those without a turban were also wearing the traditional Sindhi cap.

Misri Jogi, Manthar Fakir, Sudheer Jogi and others who are known folk singers in Sindh also enthralled the audience. Ustad Fakir Yousuf, Shahzado Jogi and Mumtaz Jogi sang Sufi poetry and a few national songs to add colours to the festival.

Published in Dawn, December 5th, 2015