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Sibi is a place almost a three hour
drive from the south east of Quetta
province in Pakistan. Since the late
15th century, this town has been one
of the most important meeting places
of all the tribal chiefs, who along
with their respective tribes, belong
to this part of the world. The British
used to carry an annual meeting here
while organizing a Mela or Fair simultaneously.
This tradition is still carried out
in Baluchistan during the month of
February and is popularly known as
the Sibi Festival. During Sibi celebrations,
an important festival of Pakistan,
tribal people from all parts of Punjab,
Sind and Baluchistan flock together
along with their animals. The most
important feature of Sibi celebrations,
regarded as one of the popular festivals
in this part of Pakistan, is the Horse
and Cattle show, together with folk
dance and handicraft exhibition.
Cattle race is an important component
of Sibi celebrations. During such
a race at Sibi celebrations, cattles
are made to compete among themselves
in an organized manner. The owner
of the winning animal is rewarded
monetarily. In the folk dance section,
people from different part of Punjab
and Sind show their rich cultural
heritage, in the form of dance items.
Such folk dances are usually a treat
to watch as they are accompanied by
nice body movements and melodious
folk songs and music. Even animal
market and tent pegging form an integral
part of this fair at Sibi celebrations
in Pakistan.
The history behind this fair can
often be contradictory at times. Some
historians link the origin of this
fair with the renowned Barter system.
Nomad Baluch tribe form a key segment
of Baluchistan's demography who have
engaged themselves in such systems
right from the gothic times. These
Nomads make huge purchases in exchange
of livestock during the Sibi celebrations.
Whatever be its origin, this Sibi
festival indeed provides a greater
opportunity for people in parts of
Pakistan to interact with each other.
The increasing number of games that
are being organized as part of Sibi
Festival encourages and enhances the
interests of common masses in Pakistan.
The hard work and co operative attitude
of people in the Sibi region of Quetta
in Pakistan also need a special mention
for organizing this Sibi Festival.
For more information on popular festivals
and celebrations in Pakistan and other
parts of the world, make it a point
to browse through the pages of .
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