Shahi Durbar

Shahi Durbar

Last week in FebruaryThe annual fair known as Shahi Durbar takes place in the town of Sibi in the Baluchistan Province of Pakistan. The event goes back to the 15th century when it centered around a gathering of tribal elders ( durbar means "royal gathering"), and it is still an occasion for local politicians to speechify and debate each other. But it also features an agricultural fair, a handicraft market, and numerous sporting events, including horse racing, tent pegging, wrestling, and cockfighting. Relatively few foreigners come to the fair, but it represents a unique opportunity to observe the traditional customs and costumes of the tribal people of Baluchistan.
CONTACTS:
Pakistan Tourist Development Corp.
22-A, Saeed Plaza
Blue Area, Jinnah Ave.
Islamabad, 44000 Pakistan
92-51-920-3772; fax: 92-51-920-4027
www.tourism.gov.pk
SOURCES:
WildPlanet-1995, p. 279