LARKANA: Larkana Arts Council’s literature section commemorated the birth anniversary of the great Sufi saint Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai by organising an event in the Bhitai Literary Hall on Saturday night.

The event featured a distinguished programme titled ‘Shah’s heroines’, to shed light on the characters of valiant women of Sindh. A Question & Answer session offered profound insights into Bhitai’s immortal characters, the heroines.

The programme brought together a galaxy of scholars who discussed the heroines. Abro Sameena spoke on Sohni, Fahmida Abro on Noori, Rubina Abro on Moomal, Ayesha Sario on Marvi, Rafia Bukhari on Soorath, Amina Shahani Darshwar on Sassui, and Pirh Sakeena Gad spoke on Leela.

Faqeer Ayoub Gaad Latifi, Ambreen Fatima and Rabab Fatima graced the stage, where they recited verses of Bhitai in the traditional Jhongari style, garnering tremendous appreciation.

Following the recital, all seven heroines of Bhitai were presented on the screen, which the audience applauded enthusiastically and looked thoroughly captivated.

Abro Sameena told the audience that Sohni in Bhitai’s kalam was the ‘goddess of love’ who, even while breaking earthen pots, never wavered, but sacrificed her very life to make her love immortal. Bhitai’s message woven through this is that Sohni represents an exemplary character of struggle and separation from society, from which countless lessons may be gleaned.

Fahmida Abro said Noori in Bhitai’s verses possessed physical beauty, yet in nature, she embodied a character of tenderness and modesty for her beloved. Thus it may be said that among men, Noori is a powerful and beautiful woman. Bhitai’s verses convey a complete message that humanity is everything, she said.

Rubina Abro discussed Moomal in a refreshingly novel manner and paid tribute to Bhitai, saying: “Though I dwelt in palaces, I cherished natural beauty, for nature is the true message of love, which Shah Sahib has presented in the Moomal verse, illuminating the message of truth”.

Ayesha Sario, explicating Marvi, noted that Marvi, in her homeland’s garment, carries such a message that even when tempted by greed, she continued to long for her simple hut and loved ones. “In this Marvi verse, Shah Sahib vividly presents the love for the homeland, awakening the consciousness of the nation’s people.

Rafia Bukhari, discussing Sorath, remarked that among all heroines of Bhitai, Soorath’s character is unique — a character of supreme sacrifice that shines forth. This verse teaches the lesson that a promise made must be a promise kept.

Amina Shahani Darshwar spoke extensively on Sassui, stating that Bhitai is such a sovereign of Sufism who possesses the paths of Shariah, Tareeqat and spiritual guidance — though traversing all these is no easy feat but fraught with great difficulty.

The significant point is that in the Sassui verses, Shah Sahib has composed numerous verses wherein his primary message is found in Sassui’s trials and tribulations. If one seeks to understand Sufism, the Sassui verses may be considered exemplary, for the intricacies of Sufism are discovered in her pedestrian journey, and in this verse, Shah Sahib’s message is one of determination and steadfastness.

Parh Sakeena Gad, speaking on Leela, noted that although Leela initially succumbed to the temptation of jewelry and made a bargain, she later came to regret it and, in search of her lost love, continued striving under any circumstances, employing every stratagem. This verse too reveals the vice of greed and avarice.

The programme was graced by a big number of women, besides others who participated and drew lessons from Bhitai’s heroines.

Published in Dawn, January 12th, 2026