Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar Urs – A Celebration of Sufi Traditions and Devotion

Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar Urs is an annual festival held in honor of the Sufi saint Lal Shahbaz Qalandar in Sehwan Sharif, a city located in the province of Sindh, Pakistan. The festival is celebrated for three days, from the 18th to the 20th of Shaban, the eighth month of the Islamic calendar.

The festival attracts thousands of devotees from all over Pakistan and abroad who come to pay their respects and seek blessings at the shrine of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar. The celebrations are a vibrant and colorful display of the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of Sufism, with music, dance, and devotion at the center of the festivities.

History and Significance

Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar was a 13th-century Sufi saint who is revered by millions of people in Pakistan and across the world. He was a mystic poet, philosopher, and musician who dedicated his life to spreading the message of love and unity among people of different faiths and backgrounds.

The shrine of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar is considered one of the most important Sufi shrines in South Asia and attracts millions of devotees every year. The Urs celebrations are a way of paying homage to the saint and his teachings, and to seek his blessings for a better life and a better world.

Celebrations

The Urs celebrations begin with the hoisting of the flag at the shrine of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar on the 18th of Shaban. This is followed by a series of ceremonies, including the recitation of Quranic verses, prayers, and the distribution of sweets and food to devotees.

The highlight of the Urs celebrations is the qawwali, a form of devotional music that originated in the Sufi tradition. Qawwals, or singers, perform at the shrine and other venues throughout the city, singing songs in praise of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar and spreading his message of love and peace.

The Urs also features a colorful and lively bazaar, where visitors can buy souvenirs, clothes, and traditional handicrafts. The bazaar is a great place to experience the vibrant culture of Sindh and taste the delicious local cuisine.

The final day of the Urs, known as the Chaddar Poshi, is the most important day of the celebrations. Devotees gather at the shrine to lay a chaddar, or a piece of cloth, over the tomb of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar as a sign of respect and devotion.

Conclusion

The Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar Urs is a celebration of the rich Sufi tradition of Pakistan and a testament to the enduring power of love and devotion. The festival is a must-visit for anyone interested in the spiritual and cultural heritage of the region and provides a unique opportunity to experience the vibrant and colorful culture of Sindh.