indh has a long history of promoting peace, unity and interfaith harmony, earning it the reputation as the land of Sufi mystics who have championed humanity through their lives. For these mystics, humanity transcended formal rituals and rites. From Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai to Sachal Sarmast and from Sakhi Badshah to Sufi Shah Inayat, the message was clear: love for humanity.
Like other parts of Sindh, its coastal region boasts a rich history of hosting eminent Sufi adepts. Prominent among these are Abdullah Shah Ashabi of Makli, Saman Sarkar of Badin and Sheikh Salamat of Jati Town in Sujawal district, whose shrine is uniquely washed with milk ahead of the annual urs celebration.
Abdul Razzaq Thaheem, a middle-aged man attired in a white shalwar-qamees with a white scarf tied around his head, reached Jati, covering a distance of around 16 kilometres barefoot, to participate in the centuries-old tradition of washing the shrine of Sheikh Salamat, also known as Mugharbeen Badshah, a renowned Sufi teacher of the 12th Century.
The extraordinary ritual, known as Dargah Jo Acho in common parlance heralds the beginning of an eight-day annual urs of Sheikh Salamat Sarkar, locally known as Biyari Baba or Baba Mugharbeen. His devotees from across the country started arriving in Jati on February 22 to participate in multiple rituals performed ahead of the annual urs as a token of love and reverence for the Sufi elder, who, according to the pilgrims, spread the message of peace, harmony, unity and courage.
Scores of disciples from various walks of life gathered around a puddle brimming with milk. The ritual commenced after a formal announcement was made by a volunteer at the shrine.
The custodian of the shrine, Tufail Ahmed Qureshi, led this distinctive ritual, with devotees making a beeline behind him to join in the ritual. Eight to ten volunteers climbed up the shrine to wash the domes with milk. The rest, carrying pitchers of milk on their heads, waited in queue for their turn. The milk was then splattered on the walls of the shrine.
Rab Nawaz Thaheem, a local, said that the participants get themselves registered by paying a fee to be part of the ritual. Those who have to perform the ritual must wear white attire. “White attire is a mandatory requirement for this ritual. Any leniency in this regard is the prerogative of Sain-custodian” he said.
Sharing the events of Sheikh Salamat’s life, young historian Kausar Abbas Lohar said that Sheikh Salamat, renowned for his valour, had sacrificed his life while protecting a Sayyed family during a conflict with Rai Kannauj. As noted by the distinguished historian Dr Mohammad Ali Manjhi, Rai Kannauj was the sovereign of the Kannauj state, which encompassed significant portions of present-day Gujarat, India. Although there was no direct confrontation initially, the king turned against Sheikh Salamat after he provided sanctuary to the Sayyed family, who had fled from Rai Kannauj’s wrath following a trivial dispute. Given the king’s hostility, the Sayyed family was compelled to abandon their homes and seek refuge in Jati, where Sheikh Salamat, also known as Mugerbeen, a prominent spiritual leader in the region, granted them protection.
“While performing this ritual, they stand together, highlighting no religious or ethnic differences.”
The king issued an ultimatum to Sheikh Salamat, demanding the surrender of the Sayyed family. Else, there would be war. Choosing to defend the Sayyed family, Sheikh Salamat engaged in battle. This resulted in the tragic loss of his life, along with that of his followers and the protected Sayyed family. This conflict is commemorated as a battle between good and evil, celebrated by Sheikh Salamat’s devotees. The shrines of the Sayyed family are located adjacent to the Sheikh’s.
Zahid Ishaque Sommro, a columnist and historian, says that milk is generally considered sacred among Hindus. This is perhaps the only shrine of a Muslim leader that is washed with milk. He say that those tempted to criticise this rite should understand the concept of Sufism, which is the forsaking of material things for the beloved. Nawaz Sheikh, a local journalist, said a group of devotees belonging to Gharo town of Thatta district had started their journey by foot around a week ahead of the commencement of the urs. They had reached here a day before the ritual got under way.
Answering a query about the milk used, he said that it was donated by cattle-owning devotees of Sheikh Salamat. He said only fresh milk was used for this ritual. Until the mid-20th Century, the custodians of the shrine did not make public appearances, except on the day of urs. They were also required to wear white attire and go barefoot.
The modern-day custodians actively participate in various social activities alongside their followers. Another fascinating feature of the this ritual is the participation of people belonging to various religions, including Hindu, Bagri, Christian and Bheel communities.
“While performing this ritual, they stand highlight no religious or ethnic differences,” said Raja Dahir Khatti. He added that the urs attracted many members of the Hindu community not only from Sujawal district but also from other parts of Sindh. The unique ritual of washing the shrine with milk, performed by devotees from diverse backgrounds, is a powerful symbol of interfaith harmony and unity.
The author is a practicing lawyer and freelance journalist. His areas of interest are cultural diversity and socio-political issues of Sindh. He holds a master’s degree in law and tweets as @ZainSha1 on X.
