Sehwan vibrates as Qalandar devotees gather for 774th Urs

HYDERABAD:

The vibrant colors of celebration and devotion once again swept across Sehwan, the town that houses the revered shrine of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar (RA). From vendor-lined streets to humble abodes, the spirit of the saint’s 774th day permeated 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 sporting, literary and musical events resonated through the city. At the center of it all was the Qalandar shrine, bathed in nighttime illuminations that lit up the sky. Langars offering free meals, milk, water and soft drinks roamed the city simultaneously, welcoming Muslims and Hindus alike.

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

Officials expect around three million worshipers during the three-day event, surpassing last year’s attendance (2.8 million). Nestled at the foot of the Kirthar Mountains, some 146 kilometers from Hyderabad, Sehwan’s official population is just 322,000, underscoring the extraordinary influx of pilgrims.

Learn more: Urs of Qalandar: Sehwan soaked in devotion

The celebrations include Sugharan Jee Katchery (folk conversations), 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. Fluent in Persian, Turkish, Sanskrit, Arabic and Sindhi, the saint 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 massive crowd. “No terrorist threat or other obstacle can stop us from paying homage,” added Aslam Haider, a worshiper from Multan.

Read also: Urs ends with mela, literary and cultural discourse

The security measures are unprecedented: 5,000 police officers, 300 soldiers 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.

While the city overflows with devotion, music and spirituality, Sehwan is a testament to Pakistan’s enduring Sufi heritage – a place where faith transcends borders and generations unite to celebrate peace, harmony and respect.