MULTAN, Jun 22 : When the mankind galloped off on the road to modernism, many primitive values were trampled down knowingly or unknowingly, to be replaced by modern living and styles.
\nSome very noble and heart-soothing cultural and traditional values faded away with the passage of time entirely changing the lifestyle, overall social fabrics and even the family system.
\nOnce used to maintain strong binding among communities in both rural and urban areas, many traditions have slowly been swallowed by modernity and inflationary trends. These customs not just cultural but a basis for emotional lifelines, are no more seen around.
\nFrom the \u2018panchayat\u2019 system to \u2018saipi\u2019 (barter) system, community living and many other dying beautiful traditions tell the story of a matchless cohesive rural life.
\n\u201cPanchayat was a nice tradition of village life \u2013 an informal platform for dispute resolution by the elders at village level,\u201d said Rao Liaquat, a social worker and political figure. \u201cThe panchayat was not about the law but a mode of collective wisdom to resolve disputes with consensus, honor and dignity.\u201d
\n\u201cIt was more than a local court. It was the village\u2019s conscience, saving locals from unnecessary litigation. But, it is no more there and today people spend millions of rupees with counsels at courts,\u201d he remarked.
\nThe grace of this system lied in its functioning. Comprised of respected elders, \u2018panchayat\u2019 used to gather at common place along with other villagers and local resolve the disputes like quarrels, fighting, boundary conflict, family misunderstanding or financial issues.
\n\u201cThere was no lawyer or a case like in a court or the paperwork,\u201d Rao Liaquat maintained. \u201cThe decision of the elders was final and accepted with respect. It wasn\u2019t always about punishing. But, reaching a settlement with dignity and harmony.\u201d
\nThis system not only used to resolve issues quickly and without any cost but also preserved relationships. Today, with its decline, minor matters often turn into long legal battles, draining time and resources.
\nSimilarly, there used to be \u2018Night Patrol\u2019 by the youth who used to march or gather at important points of a village to guard the residents from thieves and decoits.
\nIn an age when there were no CCTV cameras and private security, young men from the village used to take turns keeping watch during the night walking through streets often carrying batons and lanterns.
\n\u201cWe didn\u2019t see it as a duty. It was a pride. We were guardians of our people. The village slept peacefully because we stayed awake,\u201d shared a teacher Israr Kharl, recalling his youth days.
\n\u201cThat system created a deep sense of shared responsibility and bonding among youth and also trained them in discipline, unity, and leadership,\u201d he said. \u201cSadly, this selfless tradition is now obsolete, replaced by individual concerns and security guards.\u201d
\nAmong the most fascinating systems was the \u2018Saipi\u2019 barter model, where tradesmen like barbers, carpenters, blacksmiths and potters offered year-round services and, in return, received grains or goods at harvest.
\n\u201cWe didn\u2019t charge cash,\u201d say Bashir and Haq Nawaz, senior barbers from Vehari. \u201cWe received respect, seasonal wheat and were treated like family members during weddings.\u201d
\nDelivering wedding invitations was also a specialty of some barbers. They didn\u2019t just carry cards but emotions of love and respect. \u201cPeople gave generous gifts to the card-bearer,\u201d recalls Haq Nawaz. \u201cIt was an honour. We used to feel immense pleasure after getting the gifts\u201d.
\nSimilarly, weddings were community events as there were no fancy halls or hotels. Tents were pitched in open fields or village streets. Friends and cousins assisted the cook and serve and arrange multiple shifts of food for guests.
\n\u201cA wedding in a village was happy moment for everyone,\u201d says Ahmed Nawaz Asar, a landowner. \u201cThere was no hired staff, only heartfelt services rendered by the local community.\u201d
\n\u201cSimilarly, villagers themselves had to manage cots, chairs, bed sheets and residences for the guests. Guests of a house were considered as guests of the whole village,\u201d said Ahmed Nawaz.
\n\u201cDuring all seasons, there had been a central village tandoor (clay oven) where women baked large wheat breads,\u201d he said. \u201cEvery women used to wait for her turn and it was not just waiting but also a source of chatting, humor, laughing and helping each other during baking of tandoori breads.
\n\u201cSharing food was another noble tradition. Curries passed over walls, lassi offered to neighbors and guests without formality and neighbors even sharing fodder for animals,\u201d said Shaukat Khan Daha, c cultural enthusiast. \u201cToday, people are restricted to boundaries and forgot the revered customs of the past.\u201d
\nAnother beautiful tradition of \u201cWangaar\u201d was also common in rural areas. At times of sowing and harvest crops, construction of houses and other major activities, villagers helped each other cut crops or lend hand in other tasks without expectation.
\n\u201cIt was unpaid labor, powered by friendship. People used to help one another on turns,\u201d says Shah Nawaz, a farmer. \u201cIt was glaring norms of collectiveness and cohesion at communities\u2019 level.\u201d
\nBut, all these customs have slowly been replaced with individualism and modernism. People have sufficient money and avenues but not strong bonding collectiveness and cohesion.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
MULTAN, Jun 22 : When the mankind galloped off on the road to modernism, many primitive values were trampled down knowingly or unknowingly, to be replaced by modern living and styles. Some very noble and heart-soothing cultural and traditional values faded away with the passage […]<\/p>\n
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