The five-day historic 'Sibi Mela' has begun in Sibi, Balochistan on Sunday. Scores of events including flower show, fireworks, contest of national songs, folk dance, tent pegging, motorcycle jumps and horse dances are part of the festival. Agriculture and industrial exhibition will also be part of the festival. An exhibition of beautiful and rare animals would be held for attraction of participants.

Local artists and those from other parts of the country would also perform during the festival. Local and provincial dignitaries will also attend the event among others. More than 3,000 Frontier Constabulary, police and other security officials have also been posted for security of the Mela.

Sibi Mela is a cultural festival has been organised over the past several centuries, since the 15th century. Thousands of Balochi tribesmen used to gather along with their animals in mid February. This tradition still carries on. Tribesmen flock from all over Balochistan, parts of Sindh and Punjab with their animals.

Copyright Independent News Pakistan, 2019