(Pawan Kumar )

The bright 14th moon had made that night of Hyderabad very pleasant, the atmosphere of the city was echoing Sufi Kalam, somewhere Madhar Geet in Saraiki and Sindhi language was being heard and somewhere groups of youth were dancing to Sufi pop music. were While enjoying the cultural music, my heart wanted to enjoy the new era music as well. Today it was a unique thing for me that in the Lahuti Mela organized in Hyderabad, the fusion of modern and ancient music was seen. Here pop, rock music as well as folk songs were being sung at the same place.

Folk songs and instruments, which are at risk of extinction, are sung and played every year at the Lahuti Mela. Singers and musicians from all over the country but also from abroad participate to keep the dying culture alive. When in this night of tunes, artists present songs in a unique way on the poetry of various Sufi poets and saints including Baba Bhale Shah, Amir Khusro, Shah Abdul Latif Bhatai, Sachal, Baba Ghulam Farid, the listeners are immersed in the color of the atmosphere. I call his style unique because the centuries-old heart-touching poetry is presented with new-age pop and rock music that is loved by today’s generation and the same new style. through understanding their cultural heritage.

This year too, this festival of young hearts under the full moon seemed to be a sign of life. It was a different pleasure to sit on the banks of the Indus River and listen to the story of the Indus River. The lamentation of Ravi river was also recited here, Buddha was remembered and the young professor of Sukkur IBA University, Ajmal Savand, who was recently killed in communal violence in Kandhkot, was remembered and he was remembered with a song of peace. A tribute was paid.

In the 10th Lahuti Mela, Mahi Dahi from Thar also started singing songs in three voices, around me I felt such peace as if I was walking alone in the vastness of the desert and with every step sand under my feet. You are getting soft and cold. Areeb Azhar from Lahore also added to the mystical atmosphere of the gathering by singing the wahi of Shah. Then as the DJ music Sabrina Terence from Germany started the beautiful performance of the DJ music, the sea of silence stirred. Waves began to form and every living heart swayed beside me, we danced lost in the music, leaving life’s worries behind.

Artistes belonging to different regions and faiths created a stir in the world of music. Similarly, the music-loving youths also broke down every wall of prejudice. These young people who were proud of each other, swaying together, dancing and laughing gave the message that the new generation of Pakistan is united, peace, security and solidarity is their destination.

After spending time there, I came to know that in the Sufi Mela, clay-made “Bordindu”, “Tanboro”, “Baju”, “Chaptaro” and other ancient musical instruments and musicians associated with them for years are also invited. These rare musical instruments are now disappearing from Pakistan, the artists who play them are also few, but now those who have the talent to play these instruments have also created their students through this cultural festival

Today, in this festival, those artists who used to sit on the ancient dargahs of Sindh and sing Sufi Kalam, are also given an opportunity to sing. With this process Sufi music is being promoted and these Sufi artists are also getting recognition. While Lahoti Mela is a beacon of hope for folk musicians and singers, it is also a means for the young generation to stay connected to the beautiful culture of Pakistan.