Sehwan vibrates as Qalandar devotees gather for 774th Urs

HYDERABAD:

The vibrant colors of festivity and devotion once again invaded Sehwan, the city that houses the revered shrine of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar (RA). From streets filled with vendors to humble homes, the spirit of the saint’s urs 774 filled the air, attracting hundreds of thousands of devotees from across Pakistan and abroad.

Rituals of dance, devotion and trance formed the heart of the celebrations, while sports, literary events and musical concerts resonated through the city. At the center of it all was the sanctuary of Qalandar, bathed in nighttime illuminations that illuminated the skies. Langars offering free meals, milk, water and soft drinks simultaneously toured the city, welcoming Muslims and Hindus alike.

While Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori was scheduled to inaugurate the three-day urs, Provincial Auqaf Minister Syed Riaz Hussain Shah Shirazi performed the rite. “It has become essential to spread the message of Sufism to eclipse the tentacles of extremism, intolerance and terrorism,” Shirazi said.

Authorities expect around three million devotees during the three-day event, surpassing last year’s attendance of 2.8 million. Located in the foothills of the Kirthar Mountains, about 146 kilometers from Hyderabad, the official population of Sehwan is just 322,000, underlining the extraordinary influx of pilgrims.

Read more: Urs of Qalandar: Sehwan drenched in devotion

Celebrations include Sugharan Jee Katchery (folk talks), an international literary conference, agro-industrial exhibitions, Malakhro (wrestling), livestock exhibitions and thousands of stalls selling religious and spiritual souvenirs.

Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar (1177-1274), born in Marvand (Afghanistan) to ancestors from Baghdad and Mashhad, was a contemporary of Bahauddin Zakariya and Makhdoom Jahanian of Uch Sharif. The saint, who is fluent in Persian, Turkish, Sanskrit, Arabic and Sindhi, was a philosopher, poet and spiritual guide whose shrine continues to attract devotees from Punjab, Sindh and even Hindu followers from India.

“The message is simple: believe in God,” said an elderly Italian visitor, overwhelmed by the huge crowd. “No threat of terrorism or other obstacles can stop us from paying our respects,” added Aslam Haider, a devotee from Multan.

Also read: Urs ends with mela, literary, cultural discourse.

The security measures are unprecedented: 5,000 police officers, 300 field personnel and platoons from the Army, Navy and Rapid Response Force are deployed. More than 320 CCTV cameras monitor the city, with an additional 200 around the shrine, while drones provide aerial surveillance to ensure the safety of pilgrims.

As the city pulses with devotion, music and spirituality, Sehwan is a testament to Pakistan’s enduring Sufi heritage: a place where faith transcends borders and generations come together to celebrate peace, harmony and reverence.