Cholistan,Bahawalpur(Pak)

BRIEF HISTORY OF CHOLISTAN:-

Cholistan is locally known as Rohi. This famous desert is 30 Km from Bahawalpur and comprises of an area of 16,000 sq.km. which extends up to the Thar desert extending over to Sindh. The word Cholistan is derived from ‘Cholna’, which means moving. The people of Cholistan lead a semi-nomadic life. They move around the desert in search of water and fodder for their animals

Places of Interest  

• Derawar Fort

  Location 48 km from Dera Nawab Khan
  The tombs of the old rulers of Bahawalpur and their families are located in this fort. The tombs have nice glazed blue tile work.

  
  
  
• Shrine of Channan pir

  Distance 45 km from Derawar fort
  The Urs of Chananpir is held in the beginning of March. A colorful Fair known as Mela Channan Pir is held on the night of the full moon to offer fateha.

• Flassi

  It is a piece of 4 to 7 ft made of camel hair and cotton yarn. It is used for wall hanging as a decoration pieces and a carpet.

• Gindi

  It is made of small pieces of different colors of cotton cloth and needlework. It can be used as wall hanging bed

• Changaries

  Like big plaques these are made of palm leaves in different bright colors with beautiful patterns and geometric designs. These are used for keeping the Roti (Bread) and also as a wall decoration.

• Khalti

  This is like a purse embroidered on top with multi colored threads.

• Aar work

  It is an attractive kind of embroidery work done on Shalwar Kameez and Dopatta or Chaddar.

The people of Bahawalpur are very simple and loving, have great faith in religion, Pirs, Saints and Shrines. They love music and singing. In the absence of other musical instruments even a 'Ghara' (Pitcher) would keep the concert going. The Cholistan people tend to preserve their primitive customs and traditions.

The costumes of women in Cholistan are embroidered and printed colorful 'Cholid', ordinary and long embroidered shirt, baggy shalwars, dupattas and 'Chunries', Ghagras which are prepared beautifully in strong contrast. Village women still wear heavy skirts made of 40 yards of cloth known as Cholas Hath Ghagra. Men wear embroidered and colourful Cholas (long shirts). Balaposh (robe like coat), heavy baggy shalwars, Turkish caps, Turbans and Zari shoes have a liking for a plain and embroidered colorful Cholas, Bangis, Turbans, and Balaposh. Men in the urban area wear Shalwar, Kameez and Coat, & some people also wear trousers.