Sindhi Association of UK
Registered Charity 282447
230A Kenton Road, Harrow, HA3 8BY
sindhiassociationuk@gmail.com
Tel: 020 8909 2151
We are eager to involve everyone in putting back together the pieces of wisdom & learning from our families.
HISTORY
Mohenjodaro & the Indus Civilisation
But going even further back Sindhis trace their history directly to the Indus Valley Civilisation.
Mohenjo daro is an archaeological site in the province of Sindh. The city's original name is unknown.
Mohenjo daro, the modern name for the site, has been variously interpreted as "Mound of the Dead Men" in Sindhi.
History of Sindhis cannot be condensed on one simple website. From writers who have chronicled historical events such as Popati Hiranandani or innumerable and forgotten participants in the struggle for Independence our History has been marked by upheaval in the past few decades.
Article:
A New Type of Inscribed Copper Plate from Indus Valley (Mohenjodaro)
Article:
A Possible Harappan Astronomical Observatory at Dholavira
Rajesh Rao is fascinated by 'the mother of all crossword puzzles' how to decipher the 4000-year-old Indus script. He's enlisting modern computation to try to read this lost language, the key to understanding this ancient civilization.
Mohenjo Daro, from National Geographic
'Mohenjo Daro, built at the time of the pyramids and centuries before the Roman Baths, was the largest city of the Indus Civilization. Learn facts about this ancient city, including engineering feats like the Great Bath.'LinkL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUng-iHhSzU&t=29s
Partition of India
In August 1947, British India won its independence from British colonial Rule. While many celebrate the Independence of India it also marks a traumatic moment which changed the course of history for Hindu Sindhis forever. In 1947, Cyril Radcliffe a British judge, was ordered by the British Government to travel to India, a country he had never visited and with no knowledge of cartography or politics to draw the international border which will divide the Indian nation. To make matters worse, he was only given six weeks to complete the task.
Gandhi wanted independence from British Rule, but did not want India to be divided. However, the Muslim political leaders were demanding a homeland where they would rule. The politicians created divisions between peoples.
The Sindhi community was the worst hit by the Partition of India. Unlike the provinces of Punjab and Bengal which were split into two all of Sindh ended up in Pakistan.
Many Hindus Sindhis expected to remain in the newly created Pakistan. Hindus had lived under Muslim rule in the past. Before the British came to Sindh in 1843 Hindu Sindhis were not allowed to own land and had to pay taxes to the Muslim rulers to practice their own religion.
Our elders who lived in Sindh often recall Sindhi Muslims and Sindhi Hindus lived side by side in peace. Hindus and Muslims would put garlands on each other's temples and mosques as a mark of mutual respect.
When Partition occurred there was no violence in Sindh. Muslims from other parts of India would now however pour into Sindhi on a daily basis. The new incoming Muslims did not have homes, so they started to loot the homes of Hindus. It became unsafe for Hindu Sindhis who were forced to flee their homes, businesses and livelihoods. The police were merely onlookers.
There are stories of Sindhi Hindu women were given cyanide pills and were told if Muslims break in to their homes to take one of these pills. There are heroic stories, of Sindhi Muslims who tried to protect their Hindu neighbours from these mobs. There are stories of Sindhi Muslims who joined the incoming Muslims, to loot the homes of the Hindus. Many Hindu Sindhis who fled to other parts of India, expected it would be a temporary measure, and they could return to Sindh when violence died down, but it was not possible.
There are Sindhi Muslims, who regret Sindhi Hindus leaving because it changed the character of Sindh. The new incoming Muslims did not speak Sindhi and they did not wish to adapt to the local customs and culture. Sindhi language was relegated. Urdu became the national language.
Hindu Sindhis were involved in trade and business. Many would trade in locally produced goods made in Sindh and sell them overseas, benefitting the economy of Sindh.
For Hindu Sindhis who left Sindh with nothing the main focus was on survival and putting food on the table. Many had to start a new life from scratch.
Many Sindhis have survived the trauma of Partion. Hindu Sindhis who migrated to different parts of India, had to start life with nothing. There are many rags to riches stories. Hindu Sindhis are enterprising, and worked hard to re-build lives.
People fail to appreciate, India is not just one country. India is as just as big as Europe. India is a diverse collection of regions and provinces. There many different languages been spoken.
The Hindu Sindhis are a scattered people.
Hindu Sindhis who live in th UK today came via different routes. Many Hindu Sindhis had been settled in Kenya, had set up businesses and trade there. Some left and came to the UK. Others Sindhis came from different countries.
Sindhis still feel the massive shockwave of Partition today. The greatest struggle is trying to keep Sindhi culture and Sindhi language alive. A language can only survive if the Sindhi language is taught in schools, this is not so easy, without a nation and means for professional broadcasting.
Reflecting on Partition a piece of history is lost. Many of the children growing up today just do not know Hindus and Muslims did actually used to live side by side peacefully.
There are a number of books which recount the stories and trauma of Partition.
CULTURE
Sindhis are generally peace loving people who have integrated well around the world in their country of choice. Through their food, religion, penchant for life they maintain their traditions while also looking to the future.
In the UK we maintain strong links with communities in countries like the USA, Spain, Singapore, UAE and ofcourse India. You will often find a Sindhi in the most random of places!
We have a list of people who have promoted & helped to preserve Sindhiyat compiled by Bhagwan Bhagchandani, author of 'Promoters & Preservers of Sindhiyat'.
ART & DESIGN
FOOD
Sindhi food has some elements which are similar to neighbhooring Indian states, but also has a number of unique dishes. As Hindu Sindhis are scattered throughout the world, often the cuisine is a mix of both Sindhi food and often local foods. A Sindhi in Spain may have Paella, a Sindhi in Morocco have couscous and a Sindhi in Hong Kong will have local dishes. Sindhis were eating a far more international cuisine due to travelling and meeting other Sindhis in other countries
Here we have a dinner prepared by a Sindhi mother on a Vegetarian day. The thali consists of Dhal, Basmati rice,
spiced potato tikki & tamarind imli chutney, peas & potato bhaji, 1 jeera papad & raita.
Be sure to check out the website by Alka Keswani, Sindhi Rasoi. Alka has carefully crafted recipes for sweet, savoury and even vegan.
Link: https://sindhirasoi.com/
There is also Sindhi Food Mazaa recently communicated to us by a Sindhi Association Life Member.
Link: http://www.sindhifoodmazaa.com/
Now let us explore the treasure trove that is Sindhi cuisine.
Sindhi Vegetarian Dishes
Sindhi Kadhi - Famous Sindhi Curry served with rice
Sai Bhaji - A spinach based gravy, sai means green - the colour of spinach
Seyal Dab-Roti
Bhee ji Bhaji- Lotus root in thick curry
Koki or LoliKoki and Loli are the same dish, but different families use different terminologies. Some Sindhis will eat Loli with pickles, but many Sindhis don't consider it good form to to mix yogurt and pickles). This is a popular dish served at breakfast or brunch.
Dhodo Chutney
Dal Pakwan - The famous Sindhi breakfast. Although it can be eaten anytime or a snack. Made with Lentil and served with solid crunchy puri
Seyun
Besrai Omelette - Gram flour based pancake with chopped onions, coriander leaves.
Patatey Ji Mani - Potato filled chappaties
Bhaat- Sweet Porridge. Given to a sick child to help them get better quickly.
Ku-ini Kich-anee Sindhi comfort food - Unsweetened rice like porridge and served with yogurt
Pappad- A crisp and thin snack. Sindhi will generally eat this after a meal to digest food and in particular after an oily meal. Fried papad can also be eaten but the roasted papad is the healthy option!
Sindhi Desserts
Malpura
Rabri/ Falooda
Sindhi Non-Vegetarian Dishes
Hindu Sindhis can either be vegetarians or eat meat. Some choose to have a combination where important religious days are observed whilst eating meat on others.
Not for the faint hearted or puritans here are some of the non-veg dishes.
Kheemo Dubroti Mince meat on bread
PavaGoat Legs (hoofs) is a delicacy.
Machi ja Kofta Fish Balls
Maagas Brains (often sheep!).
Sindhi Foods does and don'ts
Dos and don'ts. Generally Sindhis don't mix fish and dairy products such as milk or ice cream. Nor will milk be drunk with orange, lemon juice or tomatoes.
Some Sindhis believe certain foods such as dates cause heat in the body, so more popular in winter than in summer. Certain foods such as watermelon are consumed only in warm weather and during the daytime.
In the modern age, some people follow these traditions and others don't.
Sindhi Food for ailments
Within India both through Ayurveda and general knowledge certain foods possess certain properties for positive health.
Turmeric (Haldi) has been known for its benefit, but only recently has the West learned of its benefits.
RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCE
Diwali Album from 2017
Access the pictures here from the 2017 Diwali celebration at the Sindhi Centre.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/
Celebrating Teejri
Teejri is an annual Hindu religious practice where wives and unmarried women keep a day long fast. Mendhi is put on hands and feet. Also Traditionally women would swing in Jhulas, play games, and sing songs. Married women do this for the good health and longevity of their husband. Unmarried girls also perform this custom in the belief they will will get good husbands. Women will only break their fast once they have seen the moon. Sometimes, the moon can be hidden behind clouds.
There are also phone apps, which give the timing of when the moon rises.
Link to Teejri document, how to perform the Teejri prayer.
Celebrating Cheti Chand
Cheti Chand is the Sindhi New Year and is celebrated by Sindhis. It normally occurs around April.
Sindhi celebrate two New Years. Both Diwali and Cheti Chand. In the UK we usually have our Cheti Chand Mela at London's Sindhi Mandir.
Jhulelal is said to be the Patron saint of Sindhis. He is said to have risen out of the River Indus in Sindh depicted standing or sitting on a fish or holding a rod.
It is common to say "Jeko Chavando Jhulelal, Tahinja Thinda Berapaar"
There is a song "O Lal Meri Pat Rakhiyo Bala Jhule lalan...".
Chaliho - Chaliya Sahib
For forty days Sindhis pray from freedom from oppressive rule. They abstain from many indulgences during this time. Listen to Paru Chawla giving here interpretation of this festival.
Link here to the Chaliho playlist from the SAUK Youtube Channel.
Guru Nanak
Sindhis also follow Guru Nanak.
Guru Nanak in born in 1469 A.D.
Guru Nanak Dev Ji laid the foundation of ‘Sikhism' in the 15th century. While Guru Nanak's teachings can be found in the Sikh scripture Guru Granth Sahib, as a vast collection of revelatory verses recorded in Gurmukhi, his teachings are understood to be practised in three ways: Vand Chhakkna: Sharing with others, helping those with less who are in need; Kirat Karna: Earning/making a living honestly, without exploitation or fraud; Naam Japna: Chanting the Holy Name and thus remembering God at all times (ceaseless devotion to God).
When Guru Nanak Dev ji was 12 years old his father gave him twenty rupees and asked him to do a business, apparently to teach him commerce. But Guru Nanak dev ji bought food from all the money and distributed it among saints, and poor. When his father asked him what happened to business? He replied that he had done a "True business". A gurdwara was made at the place where Guru Nanak dev had fed the poor, it is named ‘Sacha Sauda'.
We have created a short guide to the Sikh faith here we hope it helps you get a basic understanding so we can also teach young children about the faith.
Gurupurabs
We will shortly publish a pamphlet which focuses on the Gurus.
Sadhu Vaswani Mission
Sindhi also follow the teachings of Sadhu Vaswani
Born on 25th November 1879, in Hyderabad Sind, Sadhu Vaswani’s life was touched with a spark of divinity from a very early age.
Words of Wisdom Sadhu T. L. Vaswani Cultivate silent, and you will receive the grace of God to bear and to suffer. If I were asked, “What is the note universal in all religions?” I would say: “God is Love.” The joy of life belongs to them who serve the poor and whose hearts are pure! Vibrations of a man tell more than his words or “works”.
Dada J.P. Vaswani called himself a pilgrim.
Link to the video with Dada J.P. Vaswani on the occassion of his 95th Birthday
An interactive session with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Rev. Dada J.P. Vaswani, hosted by Aamir Khan held on Sunday 28 July 2013 at the Sadhu Vaswani Mission in Pune, Maharashtra, India, as part of Rev. Dada J.P. Vaswani's 95th birthday celebrations.
Sadhu Vaswani Centre in the UK
Annually, the Sadhu Vaswani Mission, which exists to continue the life and mission of Sadhu T. L. Vaswani, celebrates the International Meatless Day on Vaswani's birthday, November 25, because he had strongly advocated universal practice of vegetarian living.
Click here to take the Meatless Day Pledge.
Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University
Many Sindhis in the UK support BKWSU. We listen to the words of Dadi Janki and Didi Jayanti with much happiness.
The organisation gives much importance to women as spiritual leaders. As you may know this organisation was originally founded by Dada Lekhraj Kripalani, a retired Indian businessman, in 1937 in Hyderabad, a city now in Pakistan. Today BKWSU has presence around the world serving so many people, imparting the profundity of Raja Yoga meditation and the cultivation of a spiritual way of life.
Click here to visit the BKWSU site.
Be sure to also check out the Bee.zone app developed by the BKs.
MUSIC
Among our Sindhi Community in the UK we have talented singers who give their take on well known bhajans & even Sufi kalams.
We see talented singers such as Renu Gidoomal, Pooja Vazirani, Sagar Sakhrani, Drshika Advani, Kaajal Chandiramani, Jatin Udaasi & the Juriani family as vital to keeping our spirits floating upwards!
Muhinji Bedi Athaee written originally as a Sufi Kalaam by Ranjan, and here it is sung by Bhagwanti Navani.
Dama Dama Mast Qalandar featuring singers Runa Laila, Abida Parveen, Asha Bhosle & Atif Aslam.
Superhit Sindhi Lada Songs click here, it is a remixed version containing Lal Muhinjo Pat, Jhulelal Jhulelal and more.
ART & DESIGN
Have you seen the intricate Rilli designs or mirrorwork shisho on garments on the Catwalk? Or in the large London Museums? Or perhaps on a picture by a curious traveller in India? Sindhi arts & design is typically colourful and ornate with even gold thread running through garments.Have you seen Bhandani, Indigo, Ajrak or the iconic Sindhi topi?
Have you seen some of the fab videos now available on embroidery?
Here is an example with technical guidance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-psVkjXj-w&t=289s
Traditional mirrorwork, application on soft furnishings, accessories and clothing. From the villages of Sindh to the Catwalks around the world we continue to witness the popularity of shisho mirrorwork.
SINDHI LANGUAGE
Download the contents of the Let's Learn Sindhi CD from http://www.sindhisangat.com/
Sindhi Sangat is active and is also running competitions for children with the hope that they will learn the Sindhi Language. Sindhi Sangat is headed by Dubai based Asha Chand, a wonderful lady who has amazing organisational skills.
Oxford Sindhi English dictionary Sindhi Dictionary vocabulary sheet
SINDHI LANGUAGE Origination question
The Sindhi language is an Indo-Aryan language and is a descendant of Sanskrit. Sindhi originated in the lower Indus River Valley and takes its name from the river Indus known in earlier times as the Sindhu. Today, the Sindhi language is spoken in Sindh, but also in India. Today the Hindu Sindhi diaspora is scattered all over India and around the world. The script can today be written in both Devanagari and Arabic script with Roman phonetic version too.
Did you know?
- Sindhi is one of the official languages of India and recognised in the Eight Schedule of the Constitution.
- Sindhi is the official language in the province of Sindh
- Sindhi is one of the official languages in the United Nations (UN)
- The Universal Declarations of Human Rights is available in Sindhi
- You can get Google in the Sindhi Language
- Sindhi has its origins in Sanskrit
- Sindhi is still spoken in Sindh
- Sindhi has dialects which can vary town to town
- Sindhi can be written in many scripts (e.g. Devanagari, Gurmukhi)
- There are a number of initiatives to write Sindhi in Romanised script (i.e. English)
Satish Mewani has compiled a SINDHI ALPHABET chart with the Romanised and Arabicised versions. A useful chart to help you and your families.
LISTEN TO THE RADIO
There are a variety of ways to listen to Radio Sindhi such as a desktop PC or by installing the Radio Sindhi app on a smartphone or tablet.
To listen you may visit http://radiosindhi.
