Mashk is a traditional water-carrying bag made of waterproof skin, normally of sheep or goat skin. The person who carries and distributes water is called Mashki or Bhisht. In the past, he usually filled his mask from the Khui (well) water.
As heard from the elders, there used to be posts of water – carriers in the Municipal Committee ( MC ), Bhera. In the morning, the sweepers of the MC cleaned the streets, including drains of mohallas and bazaars. Mashkis also watered the open drains to clean them properly along with the sweepers. After cleaning the drains, Chuna ( quick lime) was sprinkled on the drains to kill the insects. Hygienically, this practice was useful. The people of mohalla also cooperated, and these two persons were looked after by them.
With the availability of running water in the houses and streets, this culture has completely faded away in Bhera. I am not sure whether the water carriers are still on the inventory of MC Committee, Bhera, or they have been given some different name.
An old mask has been displayed in the Shah Shah Suri Jama Masjid ( 1540 AD ), Information Centre, and Museum for the knowledge of the younger generation. A picture of it is given below :
