Cholistan Desert ( also locally known as Rohi) sprawls thirty kilometers from Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan and covers an area of 16,000 km². It adjoins the Thar desert extending over to Sindh and into India.

The word Cholistan is derived from Cholna which means "moving". The people of Cholistan lead a semi-nomadic life, moving from one place to another in search of water and fodder for their animals. The dry bed of the Hakra River runs through the area, along which many settlements of the Indus Valley Civilisation have been found.

History
Nearly 300 Harappan sites (cf. Indus Valley Civilisation) have been found in the Hakra valley, mostly by M. R. Mughal, which account for 20% of all Harappan sites now . Cholistan has changed amazingly over the history. The desert was under perennial regular irrigated cultivation till 1200 BCE and under seasonal regular irrigated cultivation till about 600 BCE. The area turned into arid and desolate desert with drying up of River Hakra. These days again, the desert is undergoing a process of profound change because of canal system originating from the River Sutlaj. But one can still find people living in houses made of mud and straw almost as they might have been living 200 years ago.

PLACES OF INTEREST IN CHOLISTAN

Derawar Fort: Derawar Fort is located 48 Km from Dera Nawab Sahib. It is still in a good condition. The rampart walls are intact and still guarded by the personal guards of the Amir of Bahawalpur. The tombs of the ex-rulers of Bahawalpur and their families are located in this fort. The tombs have nice glazed blue tile work. Prior permission of the senior Amir of Bahawalpur is required to enter the fort.

Shrines of Channan Pir: The Shrine of Channan Pir is located 45 Km from Derawar Fort. Channan Pir was a disciple of Makhdoom Jahanian Jahangasht. The annual Urs is held at the beginning of March. A colourful fair known as 'Mela Channan Pir' is held here. Devotees gather on the night of full moon to offer "Fateha" at the tomb of the saint.

PEOPLE AND COSTUMES

People: The people of Bahawalpur are very simple and loving, have great faith in religion, Pirs, Saints and Shrines. They love music and singing. In the absence of other musical instruments even a 'Ghara' (Pitcher) would keep the concert going. The Cholistan people tend to preserve their primitive customs and traditions.

Costumes: The costumes of women in Cholistan are embroidered and printed colourful 'Cholid', ordinary and long embroidered shirt, baggy shalwars, dupattas and 'Chunries', Ghagras which are prepared beautifully in strong contrast. Village women still wear heavy skirts made of 40 yards of cloth known as Cholas Hath Ghagra. Men wear embroidered and colourful Cholas (long shirts). Balaposh (robe like coat), heavy baggy shalwars, Turkish caps, Turbans and Zari shoes have a liking for a plain and embroidered colourful Cholas, Bangis, Turbans, and Balaposh. Men in the Urban area wear Shalwar, Kameez and Coat, & some people also wear Trouser.

HANDICRAFTS

The Punjab Small Industries Corporation has established a Craft Development Centre for Cholistan Area, outside Farid Gate, Bahawalpur from where handicrafts manufactured in Cholistan can be purchased.

Flassi: It is a place of 4-ft x 7-ft size, made of camel hair and cotton yarn. It is used for wall hanging, as a decoration piece and a carpet.

Gindi or Rill: It is made of small pieces of different colours of cotton cloth and needlework. It can be used as wall hanging, bed covers, carpets and blankets etc.

Changaries: Like big plaques, these are made of palm leaves in different bright colours with beautiful patterns and geometric designs. These are used for keeping the 'Chapatis' (bread) and also as a wall decoration.

Khalti: It is like a purse embroidered on top with multi-coloured threads.

Aar Work: It is an attractive kind of embroidery work done on Duppata, Kurta and Chaddar etc.

GENERAL INFORMATION

• Altitude:  400 ft.
• Area:  23539 sq. km.
• Population:  24,10,566 (District Bahawalpur) 1998 Census.
• Climate: Winter (Oct March): Max 23.5C, Min 8C
• Simmer (April Sep): Max 34C, Min 32C
• Rainfall:  6.89 inches annually.
• Tourist Season: October to March
• TOURIST INFORMATION

for local assistance and information, please contact PTDC Tourist Information Centre, PTDC Motel, Club Road (near D.C office), Bahawalpur, Tel: (0621) 82835 Fax: (0621) 85362.