Tall and majestic, the date palms bear the weight of its golden fruit with dignity and patience before these are plucked are all around you if you happen to be in Khairpur this time of the year.

Noted for the bountiful crop of dates, the splash of yellow abounds. The budding cotton crop is vying for attention elbowing out the wheat crop, but none can surpass the glory of the palm trees, some as high as 80 feet and as old as 80 years, who have silently witnessed how the princely state, ruled by the Talpur Mirs annexed to Pakistan.

From June to August, Khairpur transforms from a sleepy little city to one that suddenly comes alive. The reason – the dates are ready to be plucked from the tree, dried and turned into chuhara (dried date).

The nomads have entered knowing they will find work, as have the basket weavers. The straw mats are ready and the clamour of the cauldrons tells you it’s time to get into serious business and there is no time to waste… – Text and photos by Zofeen Ebrahim