SUJAWAL: A group of people including a large number of youth, teenagers, and septuagenarians sit around the fire in Hussainabad village of district Sujawal almost every night during winter to warm themselves up. Azam 20, who is tasked with collecting wood to light the fire says; ” This bonfire not only warms up the local residents but also is a source of learning for youth that gather there every night”. He further says that sitting with experienced people added to their knowledge about history culture and moral values.
Mach Kacheri discussions, while sitting around a bonfire, is a centuries-old tradition followed in far-fetched areas of Sindh during nights of bleak winter.
In villages, elders of tribes and families organize gatherings with a fire lit off in the center and people sitting around it to discuss issues of the society and find out their solutions. Such gatherings are followed by cultural events.
Muhammad Hashim Temro an elderly figure belonging to Ali Muhammad Temro village of district Sujawal sharing the significance of this tradition said; “Poets and local singers are also invited at such gatherings to entertain local villagers by singing folk songs and reciting poetry of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai- an eminent poet of Sindh.
He further said that; They used thorns and and dried roots of trees that caused the fire to rise more and the scene of flames going out of the fire was always captivating.
“The organisers arrange tea usually made of jaggery for the participants that warms their inner”; said Temro.
This tradition is practiced during winter in different parts of Sindh and brings respite to villagers who work hard in their farmlands throughout the day.
