Dubai celebrates Sindhi Cultural Day with rhythms of heritage and unity
UAE Eid Al Etihad adds spark to multicultural festivities
DUBAI: The Sindhi community in Dubai recently marked Sindhi Cultural Day with an elegant and vibrant celebration, organised by the Sindh Friends Forum.
This annual event, held on the first Sunday of December, brought together hundreds of Pakistani and Indian Sindhi families residing in the UAE, reinforcing their deep connection to their cultural heritage.
Sindhi Cultural Day
Bashir Aresar, convener of the Sindh Friends Forum, inaugurated the evening with a warm welcome, praising the efforts of the organisers in bringing the community together. His remarks highlighted the significance of preserving Sindhi traditions and fostering unity among Sindhis worldwide.
Music that unites
The event was a feast for the senses, opening with a soulful traditional Sindhi song that captivated the audience. Renowned performers from Sindh, including Ustad Rajab Faqir, Zaman Ali, Munir Mehr, and emerging talent Lata Lalwani, showcased the beauty and depth of Sindhi music. Their stirring performances resonated with attendees, evoking a profound sense of pride and nostalgia.
Adding a dose of laughter to the evening, comedians Ali Gul Mallah and Gamo entertained the crowd with their sharp wit and humour, providing a perfect counterbalance to the cultural richness on display.
Celebrating heritage champions
A key moment of the evening was the recognition of Ayaz Latif Palijo, a renowned Sindhi intellectual and social leader, who was honoured for his contributions to Sindhi culture. In his keynote speech, Palijo emphasised the importance of preserving Sindh’s identity and strengthening the global Sindhi community.
Honouring the host
The celebration also paid tribute to the UAE, the community’s gracious host country. In recognition of the UAE’s 53rd Eid Al Etihad (National Day), the audience participated in a ceremonial cake-cutting, symbolising the harmonious coexistence of cultures.
A night to remember
The festivities culminated with an exhilarating dance session to the rhythmic beats of traditional Sindhi music. Families, young and old, joined hands on the dance floor, embodying the joy and unity that underpin Sindhi culture.
Behind the scenes, dedicated organisers like Padam Veer, Dr Abdullah Kalhoro, Malik Soomro, Siraj Shaikh, and others played a pivotal role in ensuring the event's success.
As the night ended, the attendees left with a renewed sense of pride in their heritage. Sindhi Cultural Day in Dubai stood as a testament to the resilience, beauty, and unity of the Sindhi community, serving as a beacon of cultural preservation for generations to come.