History

The Baloch culture is an ancient and rich culture that has evolved over thousands of years in the region
that spans modern-day Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. One of the earliest civilizations in the region was
the Mehrgarh civilization, which is believed to have emerged around 7000 BCE in what is now
Balochistan. The Baloch people themselves are believed to have originated in the region around 2000
BCE. Over the centuries, they developed a unique culture that was influenced by their surroundings,
including the harsh desert environment, as well as their interactions with other cultures in the region.

Tradition and Language

The Baloch people developed their own language, Balochi, which is one of the oldest and most ancient
languages in the world. The language is an Indo-European language and is spoken by more than 8 million
people worldwide.The Baloch people have faced many challenges over the centuries, including invasions
by foreign powers and conflicts with neighboring tribes. Despite these challenges, they have managed to
preserve their unique culture, which is characterized by a strong sense of identity and pride in their
heritage.

Dress code

One of the most important aspects of Balochi culture is their traditional dress. Baloch men typically wear
a long shirt called a "shulwar kameez" and a turban, while women wear a long dress called a "Blochi
Doch" and a headscarf. The Balochi dress is known for its intricate embroidery and vibrant colors in
many Asian countries.

Dance and music

Music and dance are also an important part of Balochi culture. The Balochi people have a rich musical
heritage, and their traditional music includes the use of instruments such as the "sarinda" and the
"dambura". The Balochi dance, known as "2 Chaapi", is a lively and energetic dance that is often
performed at weddings and other social gatherings. Akhtar Channal is a Balochi folk singer and musician
who is known for his soulful renditions of traditional Balochi songs. He has released several albums and
has performed at various events and festivals, internationally. His one famous song Mashooko Jalibi is
added in Saif Ali Khan movie, The Phantom.

Food or cuisine

Food is also an important part of Balochi culture, and their cuisine is known for its rich and spicy flavors.
Some of the most popular Balochi dishes include "Sajji" (roasted lamb or chicken), "Khaddi Kabab"
(grilled meat on open fire), and "Halwa" (a sweet dessert made from wheat flour) in vegetable they like
lady finger dish the most.
 Festivals

1. Eid ul-Fitr: This festival marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan and is celebrated by
offering prayers and sharing food and sweets with family and friends.

2. Eid ul-Adha: This festival is celebrated to commemorate the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (AS)
to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. Balochi people sacrifice animals and distribute
meat to the poor and needy.

3. Jashn-e-Baharan: This festival is celebrated in February or March to welcome the arrival of

spring. People sing and dance, wear colorful clothes, and participate in cultural activities.

4. Shab-e-Yalda: Shab-e-Yalda is celebrated on the longest night of the year and marks the
beginning of winter. People gather with family and friends, eat pomegranates and nuts, and
recite poetry.

5. Independence Day: Balochistan celebrates Independence Day on August 3 to commemorate the

country's independence from British colonial rule.

Values

1. Hospitality: Balochi people are known for their hospitality and generosity towards their guests.
It is considered a sign of honor to welcome guests into one's home and to provide them with
food, shelter, and protection.

2. Bravery: The Balochi people have a long history of bravery and courage. They are known for
their fearless fighting spirit and their willingness to defend their land and honor at all costs.

3. Loyalty: Loyalty is highly valued in Balochi culture. People are expected to be loyal to their
family, tribe, and country, and to stand by them in times of need.

4. Respect for elders: The Balochi people have a deep respect for their elders and specialy for
women they strictly believe in taking care of them. They consider it their duty to look after their
parents and women careless from which tribe she belongs, honoring a woman is considered a
great honor for man in baloch and to seek their advice and guidance. And the Baloch are famous
for their being ,, men of words ,, and straight forwardness.

5. Tribalism: Tribalism is an important part of Balochi culture. People are identified by their tribe
and are expected to be loyal to their tribe and to uphold its traditions and values.

1. Family values: Family values are also highly regarded in Balochi culture. The family unit is
considered to be the foundation of society, and family members are expected to support and
protect one another. and to avoid actions that could bring shame to themselves or their family.
 Art and handicrafts

1. Embroidery: Balochi embroidery is known for its intricate designs and bright colors. Women in
the community use embroidery to decorate their clothing, bags, and household items such as
cushions and tablecloths.

2. woodwork: Balochi woodwork includes intricately carved doors, window frames, and furniture.
The designs often feature geometric patterns and floral motifs.

3. Pottery: Pottery is another important handicraft in Balochi culture. Clay is used to create
functional items such as water pitchers, teapots, and bowls, as well as decorative items such as
vases and figurines.

4. Jewelry: Balochi jewelry is made using silver and often features turquoise and other semi-
precious stones. The designs are intricate and often incorporate symbols such as birds and
flowers.

Famous Personalities

Khair Bakhsh Marri

Khair Bakhsh Marri, a highly educated leader is a prominent Baloch leader, was a former
member of the National Assembly of Pakistan and a key figure in the Baloch nationalist
movement in the 1970s. He was known for his strong views on Balochistan's independence and
for his opposition to the exploitation of Balochistan's natural resources. He spent several years
in exile in Afghanistan and was imprisoned by the Pakistani government for his activism. He died
in 2014, but his legacy continues to inspire Baloch activists to this day.

Akbar Khan Bugti

Akbar Khan Bugti, is another highly educated from oxford university London and prominent
Baloch leader and former governor of Balochistan, was known for his staunch advocacy of
Balochistan's independence and for his opposition to the exploitation of Balochistan's natural
resources by the Pakistani government. He played a significant role in several nationalist
movements and was a key figure in the Balochistan insurgency of the 2000s. His death in 2006
during a military operation sparked widespread protests and violence in the region, and he is
still revered by many Baloch activists as a hero.

Balochi folktale

Sheereen and Farhad

The story of Sheereen Farhad is a popular Balochi folktale that tells the story of two lovers who
are separated by fate and societal pressures. It is often compared to the story of Romeo and
Juliet, and like many other Balochi folktales, it reflects the culture, traditions, and values of the
Baloch community.

According to the legend, Sheereen was a beautiful Baloch princess who was known for her
stunning beauty and charm. Farhad was a skilled stonemason who fell in love with Sheereen at
first sight. Despite their differences in social status and the objections of Sheereen's family, the
two lovers continued to meet secretly and profess their love for each other.

However, Sheereen's family discovered their secret meetings and forbade the couple from
seeing each other. In order to prove his love for Sheereen, Farhad decided to undertake a
seemingly impossible task: to carve a path through the mountains to reach Sheereen's palace.
With sheer determination and hard work, Farhad carved a path through the mountains, but
tragically, he died of exhaustion just as he was about to reach Sheereen's palace.

Upon hearing of Farhad's death, Sheereen was filled with grief and sadness. She decided to end
her life by throwing herself off a cliff, where she died alongside Farhad. The two lovers were
buried together, and their tragic love story became a part of Balochi folklore, immortalized in
Balochi music, poetry, and art.

The story of Sheereen Farhad has become an important part of Balochi culture, and it is often
used to highlight the themes of love, loyalty, and sacrifice. It is a testament to the enduring
power of love, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

Balochi folklore also features a variety of mythical creatures, such as jinns (spirits), fairies, and
dragons. These creatures are often depicted as magical and powerful, and their stories are used
to explain natural phenomena and supernatural occurrences.