Balochi culture

Balochi is an Indo-European language, spoken by the Baloch and belonging to the Indo-Iranian branch of the family. As an Iranian language, it is classified in the Northwestern group. These dialects are broadly categorized into three main groups: • Eastern group (the Soleimani dialect group): Found mainly in eastern Balochistan, covering parts of Pakistan, particularly in areas like Quetta, Kalat, and Khuzdar. • Southern group or Makrani dialect (part of the Makrani dialect group): Spoken in the southern parts of Balochistan, including coastal areas like Gwadar, Chabahar, and southern Pakistan. Poetry holds a special place in Baloch culture, often expressing themes of love, bravery, and freedom. Prominent poets include Atta Shad and Gul Khan Nasir. The main Balochi literature is found in poetry, which is purely popular in origin and form Poetry is by the Baloch regarded as the highest form of literature. Among the greats of Balochi literature, can mention Natiq Makrani, Mast Tawakali and Syed Zahoor Shah Hashmi, Saba Dashtyari, Muneer Ahmed Badini and Ghulam Mohammad Lalzad Baloch. Uppsala University offers a course titled Balochi A, which provides basic knowledge of the phonetics and syntax of the Balochi language. Carina Jahani is a prominent Swedish Iranologist and professor of Iranian languages at Uppsala University, deeply researching in the study and preservation of the Balochi language. ==Folklore==

Baloch folklore () consists of folk traditions which have developed in Balochistan over many centuries. The majority of such folk traditions are preserved in the Balochi language and deal with themes such as tragic love, resistance and war. The Baloch are known to respect bravery and courage, as is required under the Baloch code of Baloch Mayur. Many Baloch tribal leaders (Tamandar) are honoured through folk songs and ballads, notably those Tamandar remembered for their zeal in defending the principle of ahot (protection). The history of Baloch tribes is captured in the ballads which narrate the conflicts and wars fought by various clans, celebrating the valor of tribal chiefs and heroes. Tales • Hani and Sheh Mureed • Kiyya and Sadu • Shahdad and Mahnaz • Hammal and Mahganj • Lallah and Granaz • Dostin and Shirin • Bebarg and Granaz • Mast and Sammo • Balach and the Bulethis ==Music==

Traditional Balochi music includes instruments like the suroz (a string instrument). Songs often narrate tales of heroism, love, and tribal history. Some Balochs often believe that Zahirok is the basis of all Balochi music and the essence of the melodies used in singing Balochi narrative song. The Chaap dance are performed during celebrations, accompanied by rhythmic beats and communal participation. Chaap is a balochi dance mostly performed by forming a circle by a group of people, dancing and clapping. ==Handicraft==

Balochi handicrafts are handicraft or handmade crafted works originating from Baloch people. Balochi mirror work embroidery is a type of traditional Balochi embroidery Balochi coin work embroidery is one of the handicrafts of Balochistan that the Baloch generally use to decorate bedspreads or camel necks during weddings, and they often hang them on the walls to decorate rooms. Balochi coin embroidery is very popular among the Baloch people in Iran and has created a large market. Balochi rug are typically eight feet in length, which made them lighter and easier to transport. Their material typically includes wool or a mixture of wool and goat hair; newer carpets have a warp made of cotton and sturdy wool pile rugs. ==Clothing==

The Baloch have worn their traditional clothing since ancient times, and this clothing was spread beyond the borders of Balochistan by ancient dynasties. Pakistan and India dressing have been greatly influenced by the Baloch clothing. Gold ornaments such as necklaces and bracelets are an important aspect of Baloch women's traditions and among their most favoured items of jewellery are dorr, heavy earrings that are fastened to the head with gold chains so that the heavy weight will not cause harm to the ears. They usually wear a gold brooch (tasni) that is made by local jewellers in different shapes and sizes and is used to fasten the two parts of the dress together over the chest. ==Customs and beliefs==

The Baloch community is traditionally tribal, with a strong sense of loyalty to their Tumandars () or Sardar (chiefs). However, there are also non-tribal Baloch communities. Lajj o Mayaar(Mayar jali ) () Hospitality is a key cultural value, and guests are treated with utmost respect. Mesthaagi () the reward for giving good news like the birth of a son, news of the arrival of a lost relative, etc. Trial by ordeal Trial by ordeal has been an important principle among Baloch people in the past. This ritual was common in all regions of Balochistan until about fifty years ago and it is still seen in some areas. Today, the Var ritual() has given way to the oath of the Quran, and this type of oath also has a special ceremony. The Var ritual has been popular among the Baloch in various forms, the most famous and common of which was with fire or water. The water oath or "Api Sogand" (cold Var)() was more common in the southern regions of Balochistan, but in general, the oath with fire (hot Var) was more common. The culprit had to prove his innocence by walking through the fire or putting his hands on a hot rod. In Balochi folk stories there are numerous instances when the innocence of the offender had to be proven by putting his hands on the hot stone. ==Traditional games==

The Baloch have many traditional games that are a legacy from the past and rooted in Baloch culture. Kala chal chal () Two teams stand facing each other four to five meters from the circle. The players run towards the circle as soon as they hear their number. The goal is to reach the hat and return to their team. Whoever can remove the hat first wins that round. Kapag () This game can be played with 10 to 12 people and is played by children and teenagers. circles should be drawn on the ground and people should be divided into two groups. People fight each other by holding one of their legs and pushing the combination. Lagosh () is played in the palm groves of Balochistan. The number of participants is between 5 and 20 people. In this game, one person is known as the wolf. He holds a "pag/dastar(balochi turban) in his hand that is decorated in a knitted form. goes after people and when he hits someone with this pag, that person becomes a wolf. . Camel riding is one of the indigenous sports of Balochistan, which is more common, especially in the cities of Khash and Iranshahr(Iran), Nimruz(Balochistan Afghanistan)and is held on special occasions. Riding horse, Horse race and sports resembling or archery provided sound practical training for young men is popular among the Baloch. Balochi horse is a breed of horse native to the Balochistan. ==Cuisine==

Baloch cuisine is noted for its traditional and unique food culture. Dalag is among the prominent dishes regarded by the Baloch people as a core element of their culture and identity. Sajji is familiar in other parts of the country. Tabaheg () is a traditional Balochi food in which the meat is salted and dried with sour pomegranate and salt. Tabaheg is cooked with rice. Tabaheg is one of the most famous foods of Balochistan region. ==Cinema==

Balochi cinema refers to the Balochi-language film industry in Pakistan, Iran, and among the Baloch diaspora. In Iran, Balochi theatre is in its infancy stage and is concentrated mainly in Zahedan, Iranshahr, and Khash. As of 2008, Zahedan-based Honorkadeh Saba was the sole cultural institution promoting Balochi cinema and theatre. In recent years, a younger generation of Baloch filmmakers has emerged in Balochistan and Karachi, as part of the new wave of Pakistani cinema. This phase has witnessed the production of quality short films as well as documentaries focusing on social and political issues. Balochi films often show social grievances, oppression, torture, human rights violations, and life as a stranger. ==Festivals==

Baloch Culture Day is celebrated by the Balochi people annually on 2 March with festivities to celebrate their rich culture and history. On 2 March, Baloch people celebrate its culture day every year, where people from different villages gather together to organise various cultural programs. It marks its historical significance across the provincial state. The events include folk music, dance, craft exhibition and other activities. ==Religion==

The Baloch are predominantly Muslim, with the vast majority belonging to the Hanafi school of Sunni Islam, but there is also tiny proportion of Shia in Balochistan. Before the Islam era, the Baloch were the followers of Mazdakian and Manichean sects of Zoroastrian. ==See also==