On August 7, 2025, the Sindh government announced a public holiday on Saturday, August 9, to commemorate the 282nd annual Urs of the revered Sufi saint, Hazrat Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai. The three-day celebrations will begin at Bhittai’s shrine in Bhit Shah and are expected to attract thousands of devotees, scholars, and admirers from across Pakistan.
Sindh Secretary for Culture, Muhammad Khan Kloro, confirmed that preparations for the spiritual and cultural festival are nearly complete, with all arrangements in place to ensure a successful event. The provincial government issued an official notification, and the Minister for Culture invited Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori to inaugurate the Urs, one of Sindh’s most significant cultural events. To maintain order, the Hyderabad Deputy Commissioner imposed a ban on weapon displays, with all departments on high alert.
The Government of Sindh has declared 14th Safar, 1447 A.H. (Saturday, 9th August 2025) as a public holiday throughout the province on the occasion of the Urs of Hazrat Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai (R.A.) pic.twitter.com/TaounLni5O
— Sindh Information Department (@sindhinfodepart) August 7, 2025The Urs holiday aligns with the federal government’s 2025 public holiday calendar, announced in December 2024 by the Cabinet Division. The calendar includes 16 holidays, such as Kashmir Day (February 5), Pakistan Day (March 23), Labour Day (May 1), Yom-e-Takbeer (May 28), Independence Day (August 14), Iqbal Day (November 9), and Quaid-e-Azam Day (December 25). Religious holidays like Eid ul-Fitr, Eid ul-Adha, Ashura, and Eid Milad-un-Nabi will also feature multiple days off.
The Urs of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai, a celebrated 18th-century poet and mystic, is a cornerstone of Sindh’s cultural heritage, drawing diverse crowds to celebrate his teachings. The event fosters unity and spiritual reflection, reinforcing Bhittai’s message in a polarised world. The government’s proactive measures ensure a safe and inclusive environment for attendees.
