Sheedi Mela

Pir Mangho Urs is the most important event in the cultural calendar of the Sheedi community—a community of East African-descended Pakistanis.

The Sheedi Mela is separate from the Manghopir Urs which marks the death anniversary of Mangho Pir and is held in the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah.

People make their mannats (pledges) at the shrine of Pir Mangho through offering fresh meat (seen as sacrificial) to the crocodiles.

Success of this rite depends solely on the mood of old creature, but according to his keeper, he obliges most of the time and presents himself for the ritual, with chunks of fresh meat usually helping do the trick.

The flourishing breeding has made the pond too small for the expanding reptile population, which is naturally rough and tough and famous for its longevity.