Forum Pakistan

Dhammaal (also Julli, Athan)
Dances associated with mysticism. Pakistan is a land of mystics and shrines. People flock to these shrines in large numbers. The *Sufi saints and poets who lie in their graves in these shrines are revered throughout Pakistan, and devotees go bare footed, dancing and twirling, singing spiritual songs. In particular the death anniversaries, or urs, of these men are celebrated with fervour each year. Drums are beaten, soul-inspiring music is played, and onlookers dance in ecstasy. The Dhammaal is similar to the *Bhangra. Holy men, or "pirs, who generally dance in their hermitages or khangahs perform * Julli. Sometimes they dance around a saint's grave. Normally the dancer wears black.