Lahooti Diwali Edition | Highlights | Mithi, Tharparkar

Song: Badnami in Premnagar | ‪@TheSketches‬ ft. Bhagwanti

Celebrating Unity and Resistance at Lahooti Diwali Edition in Mithi

The Lahooti Diwali Edition in Mithi was more than just a music festival—it was a radiant celebration of Sindh’s age-old traditions of peace, interfaith harmony, and cultural richness. In a time when religious extremism and the misuse of blasphemy laws threaten to divide communities, the festival stood as a bold act of resistance, using the power of music, poetry, and art to remind us of the inclusive spirit of Sindh.

From the opening Aarti, a symbolic gesture emphasizing unity across faiths, to soul-stirring performances by renowned artists, the festival celebrated the resilience of Sindh’s cultural heritage. Dr. Aakash Ansari, the poet of resistance, reminded us of the power of words in challenging injustice. Bhagat Jawaharlal from Kasbo brought to life the voices of women through the timeless Bhakti poetry of Meera Bai, connecting the audience to themes of longing, devotion, and liberation. The incredible Sanam Marvi, with her profound voice, sang Soomriyani, a tribute to the late Fozia Soomro, blending nostalgia with innovation in a remix of Bate Deehen Chadyos / Bedard Dunya Je Marhun Kha, a song that went viral during the festival.

Rahat Sadiq Faqeer, carrying forward his father Sadiq Faqeer’s legacy, captivated the audience with his famous song Band Hijaban Main Rakhe Thi Munkhe, while Aslam Faqeer’s heartfelt rendition of Sindh Mun Lai Dua reminded everyone of the reverence Sindh’s people have for their land. Instrumentalists like Karo Hajam mesmerized the crowd with Moomal Rano and Hojamalo on the Alghozo, weaving together tales of love and heroism.

Saif Samejo and his band, The Sketches, took the stage with their crowd-favorite hits like Zaroori Ta Nahay and Haal Muhinja Kair Puchando, resonating deeply with the audience through their poetic storytelling and dynamic connection. The event also highlighted women’s voices through Zahida Faqeer’s Bhakti and Sufi songs, as well as Mai Dhai’s extraordinary performance of Haq Qalandar, proving that Sindhi women, despite societal taboos, have always played a pivotal role in preserving traditions.

The event’s energy was elevated by performances like Hamza Akram Qawwal and Brothers’ powerful rendition of Lal Meri Pat, which highlighted the syncretism of Hinduism and Islam, and Faqeer Zulfiqar’s mastery of the Boreendo, an ancient Sindhi clay instrument.

Held in the historically syncretic region of Mithi, where Hindus and Muslims have lived together in harmony for centuries, the festival celebrated the resilience of this tradition. Mithi, a town often regarded as a symbol of interfaith unity, is now under pressure from rising intolerance. Lahooti’s mission to counter these divisive forces was clear: to reclaim spaces for dialogue, coexistence, and joy through art.

Saif Samejo, the visionary founder of Lahooti, continues to use his platform to amplify voices of resistance and cultural preservation. Through initiatives like Lahooti Live Sessions, Lahooti Music Aashram, and Lahooti Melo, the organization is not only reviving Sindhi traditions but also providing a stage for fusion and innovation, ensuring these stories and melodies resonate globally.

The Lahooti Diwali Edition was a reminder that Sindh’s strength lies in its diversity and its commitment to a peaceful, pluralistic society. It was a call to nurture hope and festivity in the younger generation while keeping them connected to their roots. This festival was not just an event but a movement—a movement to resist extremism with the timeless power of music, art, and love.

#LahootiDiwaliEdition #SindhiFolk #CulturalHeritage #InterfaithHarmony #LahootiMelo #SindhiMusic #SanamMarvi #HamzaAkramQawwal #RajabFaqeer #MaiDhai #ZahidaFaqeer #SindhTraditions #TharMusic #ResistExtremism #UnityInDiversity #Tharparkar #FolkMusic #Qawwali #SufiMusic #CulturalResistance #MoomalRano #Hojamalo #TheSketches #AakashAnsari #SadiqFaqeer #RahatSadiqFaqeer #FoziaSoomro #Boreendo