Tucked away in the picturesque coastal town of Jati, approximately 30 kilometres from Sujawal city in Sindh, lies the revered shrine of 13th-century Sufi Saint Sheikh Salamat, affectionately known as Biyani Badshah Mugarbeen. This venerated saint is cherished for his unwavering emphasis on unity, interfaith harmony, peace, and humanity – all values that continue to resonate deeply with the local community.
Jati, renowned for its unique geographical location, is a hub for producing red sugarcane, turmeric, and red sugarcane. This taluka of Sujawal district is also home to a plethora of noted Sufi saints of Sindh, further solidifying its reputation as a beacon of spirituality.
The annual Urs, a week-long celebration, commenced on Monday, featuring an array of unique rituals that showcase the saint's enduring legacy. One of the most notable traditions is the distribution of brown-coloured sweet flatbread, locally known as "Chila," by the saint's devoted disciples. This poignant act embodies the saint's generosity and is performed to perpetuate his tradition, as well as to seek fulfilment of wishes and desires.
According to Muhammad Sattar Thaheem, a member of the committee managing the ritual, disciples from various cities in Sindh converged in Jati on the second day of the Urs to participate in this centuries-old tradition of making and distributing the sweet flatbread. This remarkable display of unity and devotion is a testament to the saint's profound impact on the community.
Volunteers from the shrine are dispatched to distant villages and settlements across the district to distribute the sweet bread
The sweet flatbread is not only distributed among the needy and destitute but also sent by disciples to their loved ones, allowing them to share in the blessings of the annual Urs. This act of sharing has become an integral part of the tradition, fostering a sense of community and togetherness among the devotees.
The preparation of "Chila" is a labour of love, with followers, disciples, and people from all walks of life gathering in the veranda of the shrine to participate in this sacred ritual. Nabi Bux Qambrani, a local disciple, revealed the ingredients used in making the flatbread, which includes diluting brown-rice flour in a pot of water, followed by the addition of cardamom powder, coconut powder, fennel powder, sugar and milk. The batter is then fried in refined butter and served with Halwa to disciples visiting the shrine.
Volunteers from the shrine are dispatched to distant villages and settlements across the district to distribute the sweet bread. Wali Muhammad Themore, a volunteer, stated that they consider this sweet bread a sacred food item or Niyaz of the shrine. "As soon as the announcement of our arrival is made in any village, people gather in large numbers to receive this sweet flatbread," said Wali, adding that there is no restriction on the number of flatbreads distributed. This generosity of spirit is a hallmark of the tradition, reflecting the saint's emphasis on kindness and compassion.
The historical context of this ritual is steeped in tradition and heritage. According to Khalifo Mian Tufail Ahmed Qureshi, the custodian of the shrine of Sheikh Salamat, this bread was served at the residence of Sufi saint Sheikh Salamat to the needy, visitors, and travellers during his lifetime. This ritual aims at carrying through the centuries-old legacy of the saint belonging to the Qadri School of thought.
The story of Sheikh Salamat's bravery and valour is a testament to his unwavering commitment to justice and compassion. According to historical accounts, Sheikh Salamat sacrificed his life protecting the Sayyed family from the wrath of Rai Kannauj, the ruler of Kannauj state in present-day Gujarat, India. This courageous stance ultimately led to the massacre of Sheikh Salamat, his devotees, and the Sayyed family.
The war is remembered as a symbol of the eternal struggle between good and evil, and its anniversary is celebrated by Sheikh Salamat's devotees. Sheikh Salamat's legacy is still honoured today, with his shrine in Jati being an important site of pilgrimage. The annual Urs celebrations attract thousands of devotees from across the country, all united in their reverence for the saint and his teachings.
The owners of local flour mills donate flour sacks and sugar for this ceremony, while women also take part in this ceremony by making "Chila" in their houses and then distributing it among their neighbours. This collective effort is a shining example of community spirit and cooperation.
Muhammad Ibrahim, an octogenarian, shared a fascinating insight into the evolution of the tradition. According to him, his father noted that in the past, people would use jiggery (gur) to sweeten the bread, but during the past few years, it has been replaced with sugar.
As the sun rises over the horizon, the volunteers tasked with distributing the sacred flatbread embark on their journey, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of drumbeaters and the energetic dance of devoted disciples. This vibrant procession winds its way through the streets, visiting different villages and localities, spreading joy, love, and spirituality.
Local historian Nawaz Sheikh poignantly captures the essence of this ritual, "The distribution of flatbread symbolises the unwavering commitment of Sheikh Salamat's shrine to ensure that no visitor is left hungry or untreated. This selfless act of kindness embodies the saint's teachings of compassion, love, and unity."
In a remarkable display of interfaith harmony, people from diverse backgrounds, including Muslims, Hindus, and Christians, come together to participate in the annual Urs celebrations. This inclusive spirit is a testament to the Sufi tradition of promoting love, peace, and unity, transcending religious boundaries.
The 844th annual Urs of Sheikh Salamat commenced on Monday with a traditional ceremony, where devotees laid floral wreaths on the mausoleum of the saint, paying tribute to his enduring legacy. As the festivities unfold, the air is filled with devotion, music, and the sweet scent of flatbread, creating an unforgettable experience for all who participate.