Important Festivals in 2025

Festivals in Sindh are vibrant celebrations reflecting its multicultural ethos, blending Sufi Islam, Hinduism, and regional traditions. They include cultural events (festivals around the world like Sindhi Cultural Day/Ekta Day), religious observances (Eid, Cheti Chand, Urs of Sufi saints), and national commemorations. These festivals preserve heritage through rituals, music, dance (Ho Jamalo, Dhamal), traditional attire (Ajrak), and communal harmony, uniting Sindhis across faiths and histories.

Festivals meaning

In Sindhi, the word “festivals” can be translated with different meanings depending on the context:

  1. ميلو (Fair) – A fair or festival, often referring to local cultural gatherings, celebrations, or religious events.
  2. عيد (Eid) – Used specifically for Islamic religious festivals like Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha.
  3. تهوار (Tehwaar) – A general term for festivals, celebrations, or special occasions, including both religious and cultural events.

Festivals Definition: These are organized, recurring celebrations that mark cultural, religious, social, or seasonal events, fostering unity, joy, and shared identity. They preserve traditions through rituals, music, dance, food, and attire, reflecting a community’s history, values, or beliefs. Festivals serve to honor deities, commemorate historical milestones, celebrate harvests, or strengthen communal bonds, often blending reverence with revelry.

Festivals example

Here are some examples of carnivals from India, Pakistan, and other countries:

🇵🇰 Pakistan:

  1. Lok Mela (Islamabad) – A colorful folk festival celebrating Pakistan’s diverse cultures with music, dance, and crafts.
  2. Sindh Culture Day (Sindh) – A vibrant event showcasing Sindhi traditions with Ajrak, Sindhi Topi, music, and rallies.
  3. Shandur Polo Festival (Gilgit-Baltistan) – Known as the “highest polo ground on earth,” featuring traditional polo matches, music, and festivities.

🇮🇳 India:

  1. Goa Carnival (Goa) – A lively event with parades, floats, music, and dance, influenced by Portuguese traditions.
  2. Durga Puja (West Bengal) – A grand festival with artistic idols, cultural performances, and processions.
  3. Rann Utsav (Gujarat) – A desert carnival celebrating Gujarati culture with folk music, camel rides, and handicrafts.

🌍 Other Countries:

  1. Rio Carnival (Brazil) – The world’s biggest carnival, featuring samba parades, extravagant costumes, and street parties.
  2. Mardi Gras (USA – New Orleans) – A lively festival with parades, beads, jazz music, and masquerade balls.
  3. Venice Carnival (Italy) – Famous for its elegant masks, historical costumes, and grand masquerade balls.

Festivals and celebrations

Festivals list: Festivals upcoming in Sindh

1. Sindhi Cultural Day (Ekta Day)

  • Date: First Sunday of December (annually)
  • Location: Across Sindh, especially Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, and Larkana.
  • Overview: Celebrates Sindhi heritage through cultural activities, traditional attire (Ajrak and Sindhi Topi), music, and dance (e.g., Ho Jamalo). Promotes unity and pride in Sindhi identity.
  • Type: National/Cultural Festival

2. Cheti Chand

  • Date: First day of the Sindhi month Chet (March/April, coinciding with Hindu New Year).
  • Location: Sindh-wide, notably at Jhulelal temples in Udero Lal (Hyderabad) and other Hindu-majority areas.
  • Overview: Marks the birth of Jhulelal, the patron saint of Sindhis. Celebrated with processions, water rituals, and communal meals. Symbolizes harmony and resilience.
  • Type: Religious (Hindu)

3. Urs of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai

  • Date: 14th of Safar (Islamic lunar calendar, varies annually).
  • Location: Bhit Shah (Matiari District), at the saint’s shrine.
  • Overview: Commemorates the death anniversary of the revered Sufi poet. Features Shah Jo Raag (his poetry sung to traditional music), night-long prayers, and cultural fairs.
  • Type: Religious (Sufi Islam)

4. Urs of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar

  • Date: 18th Sha’ban (Islamic lunar calendar).
  • Location: Sehwan Sharif (Jamshoro District), at his iconic shrine.
  • Overview: Honors the 13th-century Sufi saint. Known for the Dhamal dance and devotional music. Draws millions of devotees, transcending religious boundaries.
  • Type: Religious (Sufi Islam)

5. Eid-ul-Fitr & Eid-ul-Adha

  • Dates:
  • Eid-ul-Fitr: 1st Shawwal (end of Ramadan).
  • Eid-ul-Adha: 10th Dhu al-Hijjah (Islamic month).
  • Location: Celebrated province-wide.
  • Overview:
  • Eid-ul-Fitr: Celebrates the end of fasting with prayers, feasts, and charity (Zakat al-Fitr).
  • Eid-ul-Adha: Commemorates Ibrahim’s sacrifice with animal offerings and communal meals.
  • Type: Religious (Islamic)

6. Holi & Diwali

  • Dates:
  • Holi: March (Phalguna month).
  • Diwali: October/November (Kartik month).
  • Location: Hindu communities in Tharparkar, Umerkot, and Karachi.
  • Overview:
  • Holi: Festival of colors celebrating spring and unity.
  • Diwali: Festival of lights symbolizing the victory of good over evil. Includes oil lamps, sweets, and prayers.
  • Type: Religious (Hindu)

7. Thadri

  • Date: July/August (Sindhi month Sawan).
  • Location: Hindu households across Sindh.
  • Overview: Women-centric festival where cold meals (prepared a day prior) are eaten to honor the goddess Sheetala. Reflects traditions of rest and reverence.
  • Type: Religious (Hindu)

8. Sawan Teejri

  • Date: July/August (monsoon season).
  • Location: Rural and urban Sindh.
  • Overview: Women fast for their husbands’ longevity, exchange gifts, and sing folk songs. Celebrates marital bonds and monsoon rains.
  • Type: Cultural/Religious (Hindu)

9. Shivratri

  • Date: February/March (Phalguna month).
  • Location: Shiva temples, notably in Nagarparkar and Karachi.
  • Overview: Dedicated to Lord Shiva. Devotees fast, offer milk, and chant prayers. Highlights Sindh’s ancient Hindu roots.
  • Type: Religious (Hindu)

10. Benazir Bhutto’s Death Anniversary

  • Date: December 27 (annual).
  • Location: Garhi Khuda Bakhsh (Larkana District).
  • Overview: Political gathering to honor the former Prime Minister. Features speeches, tributes, and cultural displays.
  • Type: National/Commemorative
Cultural Significance:

Sindh’s festivals reflect its pluralistic identity, blending Sufi Islam, Hinduism, and regional traditions. Events like Cheti Chand and Urs celebrations emphasize unity, while national days like Ekta Day reinforce cultural pride. These festivals serve as a bridge between Sindh’s ancient Indus Valley heritage and its modern multicultural ethos.