Devotees gather for three-day festivities marking 773rd Urs of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar

HYDERABAD/SEHWAN: The festivities for the 773rd Urs of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar (RA) are underway in Sehwan, where thousands of devotees have gathered to show reverence towards the Sufi saint. 

The celebrations began at the shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar (RA) on Monday, with Sindh's acting governor, Syed Owais Qadir Shah, laying a 'chadar' (sheet) at the saint's resting place and offering Fateha.

Shah was accompanied by Sindh Minister for Auqaf Syed Riaz Hussain Shah Shirazi, Secretary Auqaf Sibghatullah Mehr, and Divisional Commissioner Hyderabad Bilal Ahmed Memon.

On the occasion, Deputy Commissioner Ghazanfar Ali Qadri presented a commemorative shield to the acting governor, who distributed clothes and gifts to underpriveleged women and acknowledged the significance of the event.

Speaking to the media, Shah noted that prayers were for offered the nation and emphasised Sindh's development as vital for the country.

He noted that the number of devotees had increased this year as compared to the previous one and hoped for a "successful and peaceful conclusion" of the Urs celebrations. 

Shah appealed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to convene a meeting of the Council of Common Interests within 90 days, as per the Constitution.

Additionally, he announced plans to write to the chairman of the National Highway Authority regarding the delayed construction of the Indus Highway. 

The Sindh government is actively raising its voice for public issues at every level, he asserted.

Thousands of devotees are still pouring in on the second day (Tuesday) — as they do every year — to participate in the Urs celebrations. 

The Sindh Culture Department is set to host a literary conference today, featuring renowned scholars and writers who will present research papers on the revered saint.

Moreover, traditional Sindhi game, Malakhara, will also be organised today to mark the second day of celebrations.

Lal Shabaz Qalandar is a revered religious personality not just in Pakistan but across South Asia. On the occasion of the saint's Urs, his followers gather at his shrine in Sehwan annually, engaging in different rituals as well as celebrations.

Furthermore, a prominent highlight of the Urs is the mystical dance known as "Dhamaal", which is highly popular in the province of Sindh and is mainly performed by fakirs, dervishes, and devotees.