Sibi Mela--most colourful show of Balochistan

SIBI: Historical mela of Sibi has kicked off here in all its traditional fun fare, zeal and fervor, as for years it was being celebrated in the month of February each year.

Sibi, Balochistan at a distance of 160 km southeast of Quetta is the annual meeting place of Balochistan tribes since 15th century.

This annual meeting called Jirga is combined with a Festival (Mela) where thousands of Baloch Tribesmen gather along with their animals in mid February. The festival lasts for one week.

The main attractions of SIBI MELA are horse and cattle shows, folk dances, cultural shows, tent pegging, camel race and exhibitions of handicrafts, tribal dresses, mushairas, musical shows and circus include among the colourful ceremonies.

This Mela is also a market place where people trade animals. Thousands of best camels from the deserts are brought to the show and tended by colorful tribal people.

Agriculture exhibition also inaugurated the same day as part of Mela. At night there was firework, much to the amusement of the tribesmen as well as a large number of spectators drawn from across the country.