Yaar Ko Hum Nay Ja Baja Daikha

By Amar Guriro, "The magic of the Sufi queen" - Daily Times - Lahore, Pakistan
Monday, March 9, 2009

Karachi: Saturday night was magical in its own way, as the warm spell in the city was broken by the sudden cool breeze from the sea.

The magic did not stop at the sudden weather change, as after hearing about numerous terrorist attacks and incidents of violence, the people of the city had something to look forward to.

Legendary singer and Sufi queen Abida Parveen was in town.

The Mohatta Palace administration had laid white sheets on the floor of the historical building’s courtyard and placed round pillows so that Abida Parveen’s music lovers, both young and old, could comfortably sit and enjoy the performance.

The moon, which was just five days shy of being full, added to the glory of the night and for many people time stood still as they sat waiting for the singer to arrive.

The performance was started by Shah ja Faqeer (the Faqeer of Shah), who sung the poetry of the famous Sufi poet, Hazrat Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai, accompanied by a Tanbooro.

Finally, Abida Parveen graced the stage and her intoxicating voice and melody had everyone in a trance. You could see hundreds of people swaying to her music and, then again, who can stop themselves from doing so when she starts singing.

People were in a state of ecstasy while listening to her songs including ‘Arey logon, tumhara kya, main janon mera khuda janey’ (O people, what does it matter to you, it is a personal matter between my God and I); Yaar ko hum nay ja baja daikha (I see God in everything), the famous Sindhi song; Nalay alakh jay bairo tar mohanjo (In the name God, let my boat float) and Chalo ray saniyan charcha wekhan (Lets go see the fabulous festivities and decorations).

One of the audience members said that he was waiting for such a performance for a long time.

“I will remember this night for the rest of my life, as this is the first time that I have heard Abida Parveen live,” he added.

Photo by Amar Guriro