Cultural, Spiritual Festivities Mark 773rd Urs of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar in Sehwan
News Desk
Karachi: The 773rd Urs of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar (RA) is being celebrated in Sehwan, with thousands of devotees gathering to pay tribute to the revered Sufi saint.
The festivities began on Monday at the shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar (RA), where Sindh’s acting governor, Syed Owais Qadir Shah, laid a ‘chadar’ (sheet) on the saint’s resting place and offered Fateha.
Accompanying the governor were Sindh’s Minister for Auqaf, Syed Riaz Hussain Shah Shirazi, Secretary Auqaf Sibghatullah Mehr, and Divisional Commissioner Hyderabad Bilal Ahmed Memon.
During the ceremony, Deputy Commissioner Ghazanfar Ali Qadri presented a commemorative shield to the acting governor, who distributed clothes and gifts to underprivileged women, recognizing the significance of the occasion.
Speaking to the media, Shah prayed for the nation’s prosperity and emphasized the importance of Sindh’s development for the country’s progress.
He noted an increase in the number of devotees this year compared to the previous one and expressed hope for a “successful and peaceful conclusion” of the Urs celebrations.
Shah also appealed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to convene a meeting of the Council of Common Interests within the next 90 days, in accordance with the Constitution.
Additionally, he announced plans to address the delay in the construction of the Indus Highway by writing to the chairman of the National Highway Authority. He reiterated that the Sindh government is actively advocating for public issues at all levels.
As the second day of the celebrations (Tuesday) progresses, more devotees continue to arrive, as is customary. The Sindh Culture Department will host a literary conference today, featuring renowned scholars and writers who will present research papers on the saint’s life and legacy.
Additionally, a traditional Sindhi game, Malakhara, will be held as part of the second-day festivities.
Lal Shahbaz Qalandar is a highly revered figure not only in Pakistan but across South Asia. Every year, his followers gather at his shrine in Sehwan to participate in various rituals and celebrations in his honor.
One of the prominent features of the Urs is the mystical dance known as “Dhamaal,” which is particularly popular in Sindh and is performed by fakirs, dervishes, and devotees.
