Besides their message of love and harmony, Shah’s poetry and music compositions have always been popular among Sindh’s old and young.

The tradition of Faqirs singing at the shrine is 300-year old. They sing Shah’s verses to the accompaniment of Tambooro (a variation of an Arabic stringed instrument, invented by Shah Latif) almost round the clock.

There are 80 Faqirs who sing in 14 groups with each group assigned a day or a night.

A singing session usually starts with Sur Kalyan, opening chapter of Shah jo Risalo, the anthology of Shah Latif, flowed by other Surs, according to time of the day and season.

In monsoon, Sur Sarang (the rain raga) is sung and on the 14th night of a lunar month, Sur Khambhat is sung. Shah addresses moon in Sur Khambhat as he praises the beauty of his beloved and narrates the pain of separation.

In the middle of the session comes Sur Suhni with a particular prayer called Suhni ji Dua.

The popular Sur Rano is sung at late night and the session comes ends with Sur Marui early in the morning.

Sur Sasui Abri - Faqirs of Bhitshah

I am a dancer and actress by profession. I love creating and experiencing art.

Sur Sasui Abri - Faqirs of Bhitshah

Suhaee Abro