The 773rd Urs celebrations of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar (RA) are currently taking place in Sehwan, attracting thousands of devotees from across the region to honour the revered Sufi saint.
The festivities commenced on Monday at the shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar with a traditional laying of a ‘chadar’ (sheet) by Sindh’s acting governor, Syed Owais Qadir Shah, who also offered Fateha.
The acting governor was accompanied by Sindh Minister for Auqaf Syed Riaz Hussain Shah Shirazi, Secretary Auqaf Sibghatullah Mehr, and Divisional Commissioner Hyderabad Bilal Ahmed Memon. Deputy Commissioner Ghazanfar Ali Qadri presented Governor Shah with a commemorative shield during the ceremony. Governor Shah also distributed clothes and gifts to underprivileged women, highlighting Urs’s social significance.
Governor Shah took the opportunity to address the media, expressing prayers for the nation and emphasizing the importance of Sindh’s development for Pakistan’s broader prosperity. He noted an increase in attendees compared to the previous year and expressed hopes for a peaceful conclusion to the celebrations.
As the Urs continues, the Sindh Culture Department is set to host a literary conference featuring prominent scholars and writers who will present research on the life and teachings of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar. A traditional Sindhi game, Malakhra, is organized for the second day of festivities, showcasing the region’s rich cultural heritage.
A key highlight of the Urs is the mystical dance known as “Dhamaal,” popular throughout Sindh and performed mainly by fakirs, dervishes, and devotees. This dance embodies the spiritual fervour and devotion of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar’s followers, marking a vibrant expression of Sufi tradition.
