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Shashoo Bakery: The Old and Famous Bakery of Gwadar

Qadir Bakhsh Aka Shashoo with his friend
Shashoo Bakery, or Shashoo Bhatti, is the famous and old bakery of Gwadar city. It is located at the beginning of Shah Bazar in Ismaili Ward. The founder of this bakery is Qadarbakhsh, son of Yousuf, who is also known as Shashoo Bitthi Wala. He has been running the bakery for forty years. People call him Shashoo because "shish" means six in the Balochi language, and he has six fingers on his left hand, so he is famous by this name. Now, Shashoo has become a brand name in Gwadar city, and everyone, young or old, male or female, is well aware of this name. Even if they don't recognize Qadarbakhsh by face, they know where his bakery is located as soon as they hear his name, because his name itself is enough.

Oven fire set on at Shashoo Bakery
According to Shashoo, he initially learned the art and work of baking from Gul Muhammad Yousuf in Muscat, Oman. He worked in Muscat for twelve years and served as a manager at Gul Muhammad's place. The bakery where Shashoo worked in Muscat was located in the Souk area of Mutrah.

Saleem while baking cakes in oven
The chain of learning the baking profession goes like this: Neikbakht, also known as Neikbakht Biscotti, was one of the earliest bakery owners in Gwadar. He learned the craft from a Hindu named Bhola Chand. When Bhola left Gwadar, he handed over the entire bakery business to Neikbakht.

Yousuf while preparing cake flour
Gul Muhammad learned from Neikbakht, and Shashoo learned from Gul Muhammad in the same way. Other famous early bakery owners in Gwadar include Neikbakht Biscotti, Phalan Biscotti, Azim Biscotti, and Zulaikha. At that time, there were only these four bakeries in Gwadar.

Oven of Shashoo Bakery
After working in Muscat, Oman, Shashoo returned to Gwadar and started his own bakery. He has been associated with the baking profession for a total of fifty-two years, forty years in Gwadar and twelve years in Muscat. Initially, he opened a large bakery in the bazaar, but it could only run for about a year because the bakery expenses were not being covered, and Qadar Bakhsh incurred a loss of at least eleven lakh rupees. After that, the bakery had to be closed. The equipment for this bakery was brought from Karachi and Iran.

Saleem preparing cakes and other stuff
Additionally, Shashoo also took a one-year contract to run a bakery in Sarbundar, which belonged to a person named Ghous Bakshsh, but he could only operate it for a year.


Inside View of Shashoo Bakery
The various items made at Shashoo Bakery include double roti, cakes, nan kataai, kara, toast, bun, and sheermal, all prepared in a traditional manner. Shashoo says he cannot afford to use modern equipment and machinery or cater to the changing preferences of modern times and customers, which is why this bakery is not generating substantial profits. He procures one or two bags of flour and makes items accordingly, producing only as much as can be sold in a day, since he doesn't have storage space for keeping and stocking items. In the past, Shashoo Bitthi used to bake rotis as well, and people would come from far away to buy rotis because there were very few tandoors and roti makers in Gwadar at that time. Back then, Shashoo himself managed the bakery, and his mother took care of baking tandoori rotis. People also bring fish and chicken to the bhatti (oven) to be cooked, in addition to cakes and double rotis.

Yousuf mixing and blending cake flour
Now that Shashoo has grown old, his sons handle all the responsibilities and work of the bakery. This bakery is different from other bakeries because it is both a shop and a bhatti (oven). Items are made here in such quantities that they get sold out in a single day.

Saleem preparing cakes
Shashoo Bakery is famous for its simplicity, purity, and authenticity. None of the items contain any mixes or adulterants. The building, floor, walls, and the people working here reflect the fact that whatever they sell is pure, unadulterated, and fresh.Shashoo has four sons who run this bakery. The eldest son, Abdul Hakeem, takes care of the accounts. The second son, Abdul Hameed, is affectionately called "Lala" by people, which means "elder brother" in Balochi. Lala has played a key role in carrying out all the work and maintaining the dignity and reputation of this bakery, and he has more responsibilities. Lala Hameed makes all the items sold in the bakery and also sells them to customers. The third son, Yousuf, makes cakes and dough. The youngest son, Saleem, is responsible for the bhatti, baking all the items made in the bakery. Around seven to ten people sell the bakery items all over the city, some on bicycles and some on foot. They are paid based on the profits earned. Having been running for over forty years, this bakery remains extremely popular and famous among people due to its tradition, simplicity, and local flavors.

 

Gwadar Beach Container Library: Gwadar's Unique and Fascinating Library


Gwadar Beach Container Library
Gwadar Beach Container Library

It is said that since ancient times, man has always had an innate curiosity and desire to learn, gain knowledge about different things. And the company of books is man's age-old and ideal companion. Similarly, the secret to the success and glory of civilized and cultured nations lies in their libraries and book houses. Famous American author Daniel Handler, who is popular by his pen name Lemony Snicket, says about libraries and book houses:

 A library is an island in the vast ocean of ignorance, especially in tempestuous times.

Students studying and preparing for thier exams and tests.
Students studying and preparing for their exams and tests.
Likewise, according to famous Argentinian author and man of letters Jorge Luis Borges:
Books on various topics, genres and fields
Books on various topics, genres and fields
I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library.
Gwadar Beach Container Library, also called the Rotary Beach Library, is Gwadar city's one of its kind and fascinating library, which has been established by an international and European NGO Rotary Club, in collaboration with Gwadar District Administration, Government of Balochistan and Bamsaar. Rotary Club works towards promoting literacy and other welfare and social causes and missions.
Gwadar Beach Container Library Outside View
Gwadar Beach Container Library is Pakistan's first beach container library. Generally, the companies and fish processing factories located at Gwadar's coastline use containers, while this container has been transformed into a modern and unique beach library. This container library is about forty feet long and ten feet wide. It is located in front of the Gazebo Park across the DC Office Gwadar. 
Students engrossed in learning
Students engrossed in learning
If we talk about its background, then four friends played an important role in giving a practical shape and organized form to this unique idea. They thought about converting this container, which was gifted to them by the Rotary Club and filled with around ten to fourteen thousand books to be distributed in schools and libraries across Gwadar district, into a modern and distinct library for students where they can provide a scholarly environment for them. They figured instead of letting this container gather rust and wear out, why not put it to good use. Hence, they decided to convert this container located by the seashore into a library. It will be a pleasant and enjoyable environment for book lovers to read by the seaside. Beach libraries surrounded by light sea breeze under the open sky provide an unparalleled atmosphere. All these factors make it amazing to nurture, envisage and promote reading culture. This library was inaugurated on December 18, 2019... The district administration not only provided the land to establish this library but also furnished it.
Serene view of Gwadar Beach Container Library at sunset time
Serene view of Gwadar Beach Container Library at sunset time
This beach library contains around 1200 books on diverse topics which include story books, novels, travelogues, history books, children's corner, kids books, sports & tourism, Islamic books and several other fiction, non-fiction and course books available in Balochi, Urdu and English languages. Daily around five to six students visit it regularly, some come for exam preparation and during midterm or annual exams there is high footfall. Students from schools, colleges and universities visit here. This library remains open from 4 pm to 9 pm. At a given time around ten to eleven people can sit and read books here. Readers can sit across the window facing the library to enjoy scenic view of the lush green sea. Sunset looks extremely beautiful from here. 
Nightfall time at Gwadar Beach Container Library
Nightfall time at Gwadar Beach Container Library
Additionally, weekly study circles, guest speaker and scholar sessions to discuss various academic, intellectual and thought-provoking issues, career counseling programs for students regarding various career paths, literary, educational and intellectual gatherings and sittings that encourage youth minds and explore new and distinct ideas and open news avenues of thinking are also part of its regular features – which surely will have a positive impact on people's minds. Moreover, it serves as an attention-grabbing spot for tourists visiting Gwadar. Owing to its uniqueness, people are often seen happily taking selfies and leaving this place with sweet memories.
Students reading books
Students reading books
When you visit the Gwadar beach library, you find yourself immersed in natural environment and scenery. Book in hand, and mesmerizing sight of the beach in front, gives you a sense of relaxation and tranquility taking you to a magical world where horizons of thoughts and ideas open up, where creativity and imagination flourish, where self-discovery happens. Sitting in such fruitful and harmonious environment, one forgets all the worries and difficulties of the world and sets out on a journey of serenity and peace.
Captivating view of Gwadar Beach Container Library at evening
Captivating view of Gwadar Beach Container Library at evening

When we talked to Abdul Aziz, the librarian of the Beach Library, he stated that:

Anyone who wants to donate books to the Gwadar Beach Container Library through our channel can find it located next to the Gazebo Park and DC Office Gwadar. You can visit and donate books. In addition, you can also contact the number visible on screen to donate books so that the light of knowledge, literacy and enlightenment keeps illuminating every corner.

Alluring view of Gwadar Beach Container Library
Alluring view of Gwadar Beach Container Library
We invite all book readers, students, teachers and education enthusiasts and researchers to definitely pay a visit to this fascinating library once and dive into the beautiful world of knowledge, nature and tranquility.

Malid: Gwadar's Special Ritual

 

Malid Gwadar Ki Ik Mukhsoos Rasm

Every region in the world has some special festivals and rituals of its people which represent their culture and lifestyle. Similarly, the local people of Gwadar also have some special rituals and festivals which not only are their identity but also reflect their cultural life as a nation. Among these rituals, "Mālid" and "Shangar" have special importance which have been prevalent here for centuries and are being passed down generations. The majority of the followers of this ritual are from the fishermen community.
Waja Zain-ul-Abideen and devotees attending the Malid session
If we look at the history of Mālid, some people consider its origin and center to be Africa and Arabian lands, Iraq and Baghdad, while others believe that the tradition started from Zain-ul-Abideen who migrated from Iraq and settled in India, and in this way it slowly became a common tradition. Mālid ritual is also quite famous in Oman and Zanzibar. 
Daf drums are being heated near the fire
Although Makran and Sangani Sar are especially famous and popular places for Mālid, today we are talking about the tradition of Mālid in Baloch society, especially in Gwadar city. Mālid is a Balochi word which means 'Daf' in Arabic. And the people who play Daf are called 'Mālidi'. Mālid is a special kind of religious ceremony held in homes or shrines on special occasions. A Mālid group consists of at least 20 people, led by a person called the 'Khalifa'. The khalifa is chosen by the spiritual leader of the order called the 'Pir', and he holds this position for life. Mālid is a special kind of ritual related to spirituality.
Malidi and children who came to see Malid session
It is said about Mālid that the people sitting in the front row are called 'Oom', minimum eight in number. These people sit on their knees in a special way, move their hands and body in a specific manner, and sing praises in Arabic, Persian and Balochi, accompanied by the rhythm of Mālid. While the people standing in the second row are Mālids, also minimum eight in number. They play the Mālid (daf). On this occasion, some of the Mālids inflict blows with knives or other tools on different parts of their bodies but neither get injured nor feel any pain.
Maldi is stabbing his body with a pointed instrument
The khalifas who organize the Mālid say that the tools used to strike the body become miraculously harmless, so there is no harm from them. The Mālids (dafs) also have special types and names called "Purkash", "Kasar" and "Tipo" in the local language.
Malidi Heating drums near fire
Mālid is a complex ritual by holding which people get rid of troubles, difficulties and problems. People perform Mālid when one of their wishes is fulfilled or when they want to ask for something. In addition, Mālid is also held to get rid of illnesses. Not only the family members are present at the time of Mālid but the neighbors also participate. Men and women sit in separate rows. During Mālid, some participants also go into a trance and start swaying. Those who go into trance are sometimes called 'Gwati' in local language. They are given the fragrance of loban, oud or incense which makes them calm down and return to normal state after a while. 
People who gathered to see Malid event
Mālid is also heated on fire after every few hours. When tapped after heating, its sound becomes more vibrant. The first tap is called one shot, second is two shot, third is three shot and fourth is called four shot respectively. When the daf is played last time, Mālid reaches its peak glory which captivates the listeners’ hearts. Abdul Ghafoor, who currently holds the position of vice khalifa and presents the praise and glorification during Mālid, says that the tradition of Mālid goes back to Ghaus-e-Pak Abdul Qadir Jilani (may Allah have mercy on him). The purpose of holding Mālid is to seek help from Allah by making Ghaus-e-Pak a source. Mālid is attributed to Rifa'i and Qadiri succession and only the followers of these orders have faith in it. 
Abdul Ghafoor and other people who attended the Malid session
“Shangar” is a strange practice used in Mālid. In local language, along with a special act, a special chain is also called Shangar. Regarding this, Abdul Ghafoor said that in Shangar, a chain is heated red hot over the flames and made into a fire ring, and then the followers touch it with oil-smeared hands due to which the fire erupts and the flames rise high. According to him, about seven kilos of oil is used in Shangar and the oil dripping under the chain is collected in a vessel. This oil is considered medicinal which is applied on any body part as a remedy when needed. According to the Mālids, this oil is the cure for every disease and the discomfort disappears immediately upon its use.
Oil is being applied on devotee back during Shangar session
At the time of Shangar, the rhythm of Mālid (daf) captivates the environment in such a way that every person present there feels immersed in this act. The ceremonies of Mālid and Shangar are held only at night and continue until late night. At the conclusion of the Mālid, charity is also distributed according to status. Distinguished people tie langar and the attendees are served with meat and rice which is also called "bandara" in local language.


Waja Zain-ul-Abideen and devotees

Waja Zain-ul-Abideen and devotees on Malid occasion

Shangar session fire erupted when oil was applied on Shangar's chain

Malidi being ready for Shangar event

Maldi is stabbing his body with a pointed instruments

An old man is stabbing his body with a pointed instruments
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