(Siraj Bhaagat)
Indie Art Commune Hyderabad hosted a thoughtfully curated cultural New year Eve celebrating Sindhi heritage, music, and independent young talent. The gathering brought together artists, musicians, writers, and young creatives for an immersive experience rooted in tradition and contemporary expression. The evening featured an insightful talk on the ancient Sindhi folk musical instrument “Tambooro” introduced by the great Sufi poet Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai. This was followed by a soulful live performance of “Shah jo Raag” by Faqir Ismail Mirjat and Faqir Nizam Ali Khoso from Bhit Shah, Sindh. Shah jo Raag is traditionally performed using a single instrument, the Tambooro, with verses sung from Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai’s celebrated work “Shah jo Risalo”, which consists of 30 chapters (Surs).
Faqir Ismail Mirjat explained that the musical session traditionally begins 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. Faqir added more that “Singing Waee (lyric) is more difficult. One has to undergo continuous practice (Riaz) for hours on end to perfect grip over Waee.”
Faqeer Nizam Ali Khoso shared that anyone with dedication and passion could learn Shah jo Raag, though it takes nearly five years of rigorous practice to master. He also highlighted that Tambooro is crafted in Bhit Shah using four types of wood, including black wood of Talhi and Babool. Faqir Ismail Mirjat concluded that that Faqirs’ style of singing had not changed over the past 300 years and it was still attracting more and more people. The evening also included a film screening, bonfire conversations, open musical jam sessions, networking, and New Year fireworks, creating a vibrant communal atmosphere.
About Indie Art Commune:
Indie Art Commune Hyderabad is a growing collective of young artists, writers, thinkers, and activists committed to creating independent spaces for emerging voices. Through small but meaningful gatherings, the collective aims to foster collaboration, dialogue, and creative exchange across Sindh and beyond. The commune remains open to all creators who wish to share ideas, contribute, and celebrate art in its many forms.
