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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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