‘Wai, Kafi, and Jhummar’: How Seraiki Folklore Lives On in Modern Times

M Atif Ismail

Multan: Folklore represents the collective heritage of a community, encompassing beliefs, stories, customs, music, and oral traditions passed down through generations.

It serves as a cultural repository, preserving wisdom, moral values, and artistic expressions that shape the identity of a society.

Seraiki folklore, deeply rooted in South Punjab, holds immense significance and enjoys widespread popularity beyond the region.

Folklore plays a vital role in maintaining cultural identity, reinforcing social values, and strengthening communal bonds. It educates younger generations while preserving historical records of past events and traditions.

“In societies with strong oral traditions, folklore acts as an unwritten history, carrying forward the knowledge and experiences of ancestors,” remarked Dr Khalid Iqbal, former Station Director of Radio Pakistan.

Dr Khalid, also the author of Seraiki Language and Literature, emphasized that folklore influences modern literature, music, and even governance by reflecting the ethos of a region. Various forms of folklore in Seraiki literature include ‘Wai’, ‘Kafi’, ‘Dohay’, ‘folktales’, proverbs, idioms, ‘lok geet’, and folk remedies.

Forms of Seraiki Folklore

Wai, a form of devotional and mystical poetry, is often associated with Sufi saints and carries themes of divine love, human suffering, and spiritual enlightenment.

“Kafi is another well-known poetic form in Seraiki and Sindhi literature, expressing deep philosophical thoughts and emotions. The works of Khawaja Ghulam Farid are prime examples of Seraiki Kafi,” said Dr Khalid.

Dohay, rich in wisdom and everyday philosophy, offer moral lessons and reflections on life.

Folk tales such as ‘Sassi-Punnu’ and ‘Heer-Ranjha’ are widely narrated in South Punjab, reflecting themes of love, sacrifice, and destiny.

Proverbs encapsulate wisdom in short, impactful phrases, such as “Jihday hath aayan, unhay hathi bhal aay” (One who possesses something also bears its responsibility).

Traditional Seraiki songs, including ‘Mahiya’, ‘Jhummar’, and ‘Sufi-Kalam’, are integral to cultural gatherings, weddings, and Sufi shrines. Jhummar, a rhythmic folk dance, is performed during celebrations, while festivals such as ‘Mela’ Urs Khawaja Fareed, Mela Channan Peer, and Urs Sakhi Sarwar remain deeply rooted in folklore traditions.

Women’s Contributions

Women have played a significant yet often unrecognized role in shaping Seraiki folklore. Due to societal constraints, many remained anonymous, but their contributions endure through lullabies, folk songs, and poetic expressions.

The mesmerizing ‘lullaby Lori by Dai Phaphal Hafzani’ has been cherished for generations.

Similarly, the folk song Sammi, often attributed to a grieving mother, encapsulates themes of separation and sorrow.

Poetic tributes to Shesham and Neem trees illustrate their role in providing respite from the scorching heat, while depictions of women weaving thread on the charkha symbolize both labor and artistry.

Children’s songs, including ‘Jhoola Lori’, highlight the blend of innocence and cultural values. ‘Dhola’ songs, dedicated to beloved figures, evoke longing and admiration. Among the most famous are ‘Qissa Gamon Suchhar’, ‘Qissa Sammi Rawal’, ‘Sakhi Badshah’, and ‘Mai Budhri Tay Phhulay Da Qissa’, which transcend generations by offering entertainment and philosophical insights.

Preservation and Scholarly Recognition

Literary scholars and poets have meticulously preserved these artistic expressions. Notable figures such as Dr Mehar Abdul Haq, Ibn-e-Qaisar, Aslam Rasoolpuri, Sirajuddin Sanwal, and Bushra Rehman have contributed significantly to Seraiki folklore documentation.

Beyond the region, preservation efforts have been notable.

Sir Richard Temple compiled 59 folk stories in The Legends of the Punjab, while Mian Rasheed documented cultural narratives in Hakayat-e-Punjab. Dr. Ahmed Nizami Bahawalpuri’s Lughat-e-Seraiki curated hundreds of proverbs, quotes, and riddles (Paheeli), providing a linguistic and cultural encyclopedia of the region.

In 1992, Professor Shoukat Mughal enriched the field with Seraiki Akhhan, cataloging over 5,000 proverbs that reflect the wit, wisdom, and worldview of the Seraiki people. Bano Baloch’s Bujh Meri Bhujart compiled 131 riddles with answers, while Alf Bay Batwa by Shoukat Mughal documented 74 folk stories in prose and poetic forms.

Digital Revival of Seraiki Folklore

According to media practitioner Javed Iqbal Amber, Seraiki Jhummar has gained popularity at educational institutes, weddings, and cultural festivals.

“Millions of video clips featuring Seraiki folklore have gone viral on digital media, highlighting its rich cultural significance,” he noted.

“The documentation and scholarly engagement with Seraiki folklore underscore its importance in understanding the cultural identity of the region. Its preservation and academic recognition will continue to inspire future generations,” Javed added.

With an evolving digital landscape, the resurgence of Seraiki folklore through social media, music platforms, and literature ensures that this cultural treasure remains alive, continuing to enrich and inspire generations to come.

The feature report was released by APP on March 23, 2025. 

Disclaimer: The information and statistics presented in this report are solely the responsibility of the reporting organization.