Hala: A Regional Hub of Arts and Crafts

The town of Hala, rich in history and craftsmanship and well-known for its exquisite, enamelled woodwork and glazed ceramics, is only 56 kilometres (34.8 mi) from Hyderabad on the National Highway. The 10th-century Hijri saint Hazrat Makhdoom Noah adds even more significance to Hala. In addition to being the first person in South Asia to translate the Qur’an into Persian, he was a key figure in promoting Islam.

Through this blog, Graana.com will take you on a virtual tour of the city and provide you with an understanding of its creative heritage. 

 

Aspect	Description
Location	Hala, Sindh, Pakistan
Geographical Coordinates	Latitude: 25.6157° N, Longitude: 68.3097° E
Population	262,423 (2017)
Language	Sindhi, Urdu
Historical Significance	Sufi centre, rich cultural heritage
Economy	Agriculture, Handicrafts
Tourist Attractions	Dargah of Makhdum Noah, Hala Handicrafts (pottery, woodwork, textiles), Hala Cloth Bazaar (Sindhi Ajrak)
Education	Elementry schools and colleges
Transportation	Road networks, rickshaws, buses, etc.
Local Cuisine	Sindhi Biryani, local sweets and Saag
Religious Diversity	Majority Muslim
Climate	Hot desert climate
Tribes	Memon, Rajput, Arbab, Makhdoom, Ansari, & Maachi

Location

The city of Hala, located in the Sindh province of Pakistan, has a lengthy past. It was incorporated into Matiari District in 2005 after being established in 1848 as Hyderabad District’s taluka (sub-district). Hala is located approximately 62 km from Hyderabad on the N-5 National Highway. The Tando Adam-Mehrabpur railway line formerly connected them, but this service no longer exists. This town is situated geographically close to the Indus River and has six UCs. 

 

How to Reach Hala?

It all depends on your starting point to get to Hala:  

• Via Road: By car is the most practical way to get to Hala. It is immediately on the N-5 National Highway, so you can drive alone or take a bus from several Pakistani cities to get there.
• By Train: Although there used to be a train service from the Tando Adam-Mehrabpur Railway Line to Hala, this service is only available when I write this. Inquiring about any updates regarding its possible resuscitation with Pakistan Railways is preferable.
• By Air: There needs to be an airport in Hala. Shaheed Benazir Bhutto International Airport in Karachi, about 160 km distant, is the nearest choice. To get to Hala, rent a car or take a taxi from Karachi.

 

Shrine of Hazrat Makhdoom Noah

The Shrine of Hazrat Makhdoom Noah, a pillar of faith and culture, is located in Hala, Sindh. The impact of this highly esteemed Hijri saint from the tenth century goes beyond spiritual awe.

The shrine is a cultural icon that draws people interested in Sufi customs and pilgrims looking for favours. Hala becomes a colourful tapestry during the yearly Urs celebration, honouring his death anniversary. Poetry resounds with significance, traditional Sindhi customs come to life, and Sufi music fills the air.

All faiths are welcome to attend this celebration, which provides a singular opportunity to discover the depths of Sufism and become fully immersed in Sindh’s rich cultural legacy. 

 

Arts and Crafts

Hala has a long history of producing fine arts and crafts, including textiles and pottery, among other forms. A summary of what you could discover there is as follows: 

 

Glazed Earthenware Pottery

Without a doubt, Hala’s glazed earthenware pottery is the masterpiece of its crafts. Kashigars, or “pottery workers” in Sindhi, have perfected their art for generations, turning heaps of clay into lovely decorative and functional items.

The hallmark design starts with a buff clay base that is painstakingly formed on a potter’s wheel. After it’s formed, the magic starts. Artisans adorn the pottery with beautiful floral motifs, paisleys, and geometric patterns.

The brilliant blues, purples, whites, reds, yellows, and browns are applied using a unique glazing method. The final product, which adorns houses with vibrant vases, pots, pitchers, and ornamental figures, is a monument to creativity and utility. 

 

Sussi and Khaddar

The textile legacy of Hala is similarly fascinating. The hand-woven fabric known as Sussi gives the regional craftspeople great pride. Weavers carefully weave beautiful cotton cloth on antique looms. Often geometric or nature-inspired, the elaborate designs and vivid hues lend a sense of refinement to commonplace apparel and home furnishings.  

Khaddar is yet another treasure in textiles. Made of natural fibres, this cosy and warm fabric is ideal for the chilly months. The procedure is turning the fibres into yarn woven into a robust, thick fabric. Khaddar comes in various hues and is frequently used to make blankets, shawls, and clothes.

 

Woodwork Jandi

Beyond just textiles and clay, Hala is an artist. Woodworking, or Jandi, is another beloved art form. Skilled artisans construct a wide variety of goods from delicate furniture pieces like carved doors and beautiful boxes to more practical items like kitchen utensils and agricultural equipment using wood that is acquired locally. Even the most commonplace items become works of beauty due to the exquisite designs and meticulous attention to detail. 

The Muscal Instrument Tamburo

A specific place in Hala’s artistic identity is reserved for the Tamburo, even though it’s not a craft for daily use. This string instrument has a distinctive tone that reflects the area’s cultural legacy.

It was greatly treasured by the renowned Sindhi poet Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai. The only person who maintains the Tamburo-making legacy is Hala.

The instrument is painstakingly shaped and assembled by artisans using premium wood, guaranteeing its unique sound will endure for many years. The Tamburo preserves Sindh’s musical heritage by acting as a link between the past and present. 

 

Hala Bazaar

The city’s vibrant marketplace, Hala Bazaar, offers an opportunity to experience this creative heritage directly. The brightly coloured stores are brimming with soft textiles, beautifully carved wooden artefacts, colourful pottery, and maybe even a peek of the Tamburo in action.

Every item is a tribute to the perseverance of Hala’s craftspeople. 

 

Culture of Hala

While the deft hands of weavers bring tales to life via complex tapestries, the rhythmic whir of the potter’s wheel blends with the murmur of Sufi prayers.

Every handcrafted item, from the glazed pottery that adorns dwellings to the Tamburo, a string instrument that echoes the lines of Sufi poets, hums with the cultural legacy preserved. 

Hala’s cultural identity is evidence of the people’s enduring spirit, where creativity, religion, and a strong sense of tradition combine to produce a genuinely singular and enthralling experience. 

 

History of Hala

For ages, Hala has been a hub of culture and religion and its administrative importance. The existence of the mausoleum of the holy saint Hazrat Makhdoom Noah serves as an example of its spiritual significance. Pilgrims worldwide travel to Hala because of this site and the town’s strategic location. 

Although the 2000 census indicates that more than 160,000 people live in the Taluka, Hala Town has a thriving population of more than 50,000. Hala has long been a centre for education, attracting pupils from the surrounding districts to its degree courses, elementary schools, and secondary schools. 

 

Economic Significance of Hala

The mainstay of Taluka Hala’s economy is agriculture. Crops farmed by local landowners and farmers include wheat and cotton, which are important crops.

For many locals, this industry is their source of income. Beyond agriculture, many other enterprises further enhance Hala’s economic environment. Here’s a look at the mixture:  

• Landlords: They are essential to the management of agricultural land and the provision of resources for farming.
• Entrepreneurs: These people contribute by managing stores, marketplaces, and other businesses that serve the community’s needs.
• Government Employees: Their positions in different agencies give the Taluka stability and vital services.
• Farmers and peasants: They cultivate the land to produce crops that feed the region and are the backbone of the agricultural industry.
• Cottage Industries: These tiny, frequently family-run firms weave another thread into the economic fabric by creating handcrafted items and services.
• The blend of traditional crafts, government services, trade, and agriculture create an image of a vibrant and diverse economy in Taluka Hala.

 

Religion

Approximately 70% of the population identifies as Muslims, making Islam the predominant religion. 

 

FAQs

Following are some o fthe top FAQs on Hala.

 

Where is Hala located?

In Sindh, Pakistan, Hala is a town and administrative subdivision located on the left bank of the Indus River.  

 

Reason for Hala’s Popularity?

Among Hala’s well-known attributes are:

• Textiles
• Art.
• Crafts
• Historical and religious significance.

 

What’s the current Population of Hala?

According to census data from 2000, more than 160,000 people live in the Taluka as a whole, with more than 50,000 living in Hala Town. 

 

What are Hala’s primary entrances?

There are three main entrances or Nakas; the middle Naka leads to the main retail strip and the shrine of Hazrat Makhdoom Nooh.  

 

The spiritual significance of Hala?

The predominant religion is Islam, and a notable tomb honouring the holy saint Hazrat Makhdoom Nooh draws pilgrims worldwide.  

 

What more is there in Hala Town?

Hala has a deputy commissioner’s office, a session court and a gymkhana (sports facility).

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