Karachi, 18 February 2025. The Sindh government has declared 19 February 2025 a public holiday to celebrate the annual Urs of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar. This essential spiritual occasion will be observed with a day off throughout the province, meaning that all government offices, semi-government offices, and schools will be closed.
- Public Holiday: 19 February 2025
- Event: Annual Urs of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar
- Location: Sehwan Sharif, Sindh, Pakistan
- Significance: A major spiritual gathering attracting thousands of devotees
- Security Measures: Over 5,000 police personnel deployed
Public Holiday for Lal Shahbaz Qalandar’s Urs & Background and Significance
Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar was a renowned 13th-century Sufi saint, poet, and philosopher, famous for his profound spiritual influence on people. His Urs, which marks the anniversary of his passing, is one of the most significant spiritual events in South Asia.
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This three-day celebration, held in Sehwan Sharif, features Quran readings, special prayers, and lively qawwali music. This year, many devotees from Pakistan and neighboring countries are expected to attend the event.
Bilawal Bhutto’s Message on Lal Shahbaz Qalandar’s Urs
Syed Ali Raza, a devotee from Karachi
- Syed Ali Raza, a devotee from Karachi: “The Urs of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar is a significant spiritual event. It gathers people to celebrate love and togetherness. The public holiday is a nice way for everyone to join in the festivities.”
Dr. Farah Khan, a Sufi scholar
- Dr. Farah Khan, a Sufi scholar: “Lal Shahbaz Qalandar’s teachings of love, peace, and tolerance resonate deeply with people. This holiday is a recognition of his enduring legacy and the importance of spiritual gatherings in our society.”
Security and Preparations
The Sindh government has implemented firm security plans to prepare for the big event. More than 5,000 police officers, including special teams from the Counter-Terrorism Department, Bomb Disposal Squad, and Rapid Response Force, are stationed in and around Sehwan. Additionally, officials have established special train services to facilitate the travel of devotees.
The public holiday is likely to impact local shops and transportation significantly. However, it also allows people to share cultures and think deeply about their beliefs. The Urs celebrations honour the teachings of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar and provide a platform for followers to seek blessings and pray for peace and prosperity.
The declaration of a public holiday for the Urs of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar shows the importance of Sindh’s spiritual traditions. When thousands of followers come together to celebrate, it emphasises the saint’s lasting impact and the values he stood for. This public holiday demonstrates the significance of these gatherings in fostering community and deepening spiritual connections.
The Urs of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar is more than just a yearly celebration; it represents the lasting spiritual traditions of Sindh and the subcontinent. Each year, thousands of followers, rich and poor, men and women, young and old, come together in Sehwan Sharif to honor the great Sufi saint.
The atmosphere turns into a special mix of spirituality, music, devotion, and culture. The rhythmic sounds of the dhamal resonate through the shrine as devotees spin and sway, immersing themselves in the remembrance of the Divine. For many, it’s not just a festival, but an opportunity to renew their faith, purify their hearts, and seek blessings.
Lal Shahbaz Qalandar’s message of love, unity, and humanity is just as important today as it was centuries ago. In a world that often faces division and intolerance, the Urs serves as a reminder of the strength of compassion and the beauty of inclusion.
People from various faiths and backgrounds come to the shrine, showcasing the saint’s universal appeal. His life and poetry continue to motivate artists, poets, and seekers around the world, keeping his legacy alive.
Economically and socially, the Urs also energizes Sehwan. Local businesses, artisans, and traders flourish during these days as the arrival of pilgrims enhances the town’s liveliness. At the same time, the gathering creates a sense of community, where strangers become friends in faith and celebration. Even with challenges like overcrowding and security issues, the people’s devotion never fades.
In the end, the Urs of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar is not just an event to watch, it’s an experience to feel. It reminds us that spirituality goes beyond rituals and connects directly to the human heart. As the shrine shines with lamps, and the voices of qawwals rise with heartfelt verses, one understands that the saint’s presence is everlasting.
His message continues to resonate: to love without limits, to live bravely, and to view humanity as one. The Urs keeps this flame alive year after year, ensuring that the spirit of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar never dims.
My name is Farhad Dawar and I am graduate of the Institute of Media and Communication Studies Bahaddin Zakariya University Multan Pakistan. I’m passionate about journalism and media, and I believe in journalism of courage, uncovering the truth, and shaping the future.
- Farhad Dawarhttps://dawartimes.com/author/admin/
- Farhad Dawarhttps://dawartimes.com/author/admin/
- Farhad Dawarhttps://dawartimes.com/author/admin/
- Farhad Dawarhttps://dawartimes.com/author/admin/
