Sindh has an ancient civilization Moenjodaro. This
civilization has definitely left its mark on the subconscious mind of its
ancient inhabitants who may have some descendants left to this day.
At the time of birth
of Pakistan a large Hindu population was living in Sindh and did not migrate to
India like from the Punjab due to relatively placid and peaceful atmosphere prevalent
in Sindh. Due to this tradition of living side by side ,a deep understanding
and respect for customs and traditions has developed into the social
consciousness.
With the advent of Pakistani Muslim identity and the state’s
strong propaganda for an ideology, gradually an erosion has occurred where due
to repeated martial laws and non-representative governments a deep rooted
intolerance to non-Muslim identity is taking place in all of Pakistan.
As Sindhi culture
imbibes both Hindu traditions and Muslim
religious practices, it is not easy to present it in a pure Muslim way.The
strong and colorful representation of non-Muslim tradition in dress, jewellery
and dance forms an inherent part of this cultural representation.
The ghagra choli dress is one such example.The dances on
shrines are another example of mixed cultural mileu. Both Hindus and Muslims
are strong followers of Sufi saints such as Lal Shahbaaz Qalander and Sacchal
Sarmast. There is no way these cultural influences can be separated.
With a strong push from militant organizations who are
trying to legitimize their space in Pakistan ,Bilawal has deliberately chosen
the non-muslim representation in the Sindh festival.This will establish his
credentials as a liberal and also establish the importance of Sindh as a
cultural heritage to be cherished and promoted in the world as Pakistan is being
pushed and being made a pariah state in the world by Islamic militants.
There was a strong hue and cry from many here that vulgarity
was being promoted in the name of Sindh culture but this kind of statement
shows that young Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has chosen this deliberately to answer
it as a battle call by extremists.He has shown that he is not mild and laid
back and this is the side he wants to show the world.
As far as the damage to Moenjodaro done in the inauguration ceremony
that is not documented as yet but that will be definite but extent maybe small
when seen by experts.
