Siddi people

Siddi, Sheedi

Siddi people in Karachi, Pakistan.
Regions with significant populations
Pakistan	250,000–1 million
India	50,000
Languages
Sindhi, Gujarati, Swahili, Balochi, Urdu
Religion
Mainly Sunni Islam

The Siddi, also called Sheedi, are an ethnic group in southern Pakistan and western India, in Sindh, Balochistan, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Karnataka. They originally come from the Bantu communities in Southeast Africa and Ethiopia. Many of them arrived in the Indian subcontinent through the Indian Ocean Slave Trade, while others came as traders, sailors, servants, and soldiers. There are more than 250,000 Siddis in Pakistan and about 50,000 in India.

Most of them became Muslims, and a few became Christians. First Siddis are believed to have arrived in Sindh with the Arab army of Muhammad Bin Qasim during the Arab conquest of the Sindh in 712 CE. They were known as Zanjis.

Culture and religion

The Siddi people's culture reflects both their long presence in South Asia and their East African origins. Siddi women wear traditional African clothing, and Siddi men wear shalwar kameez along with their unique clothing. While they have adapted to the local culture, they still practice some traditions, especially in music and dance. Siddis generally marry within their own communities, and it's uncommon for them to marry outside.

Sports play a significant role in the Siddi community, providing youth with opportunities and an escape from poverty and discrimination.

Many Siddis follow the Islamic faith, with a particular reverence for the Sindhi saint Pir Mangho. An annual festival, known as Pir Mangho Urs, is held at the saint's shrine, where 100 crocodiles are fed as part of the celebration.

Other websites

• Shihan de Silva Jayasuriya, "South Asia's Africans: A Forgotten People", History Workshop, 5 February 2011.
• Lord of All He Surveys, The Express Travel