Dance, devotion, spirituality converge as devotees flock to the saint’s shrine, bridging faiths, generations
Sehwan in devotion: Millions of devotees throng Sehwan to mark the 774th Urs of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar as dance, music and spiritual rituals transform the city into a vibrant hub of faith and festivity. PHOTO: INP
HYDERABAD:
The vibrant colors of festivity and devotion once again swept through 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 774th watch infused the air, attracting hundreds of thousands of devotees from across Pakistan and abroad.
Dance, devotion and trance rituals formed the heartbeat of the festivities, while sports, literary events and musical concerts reverberated through the city. At the center of it all stood Qalandar’s shrine, bathed in nightlight that lit up the sky. Langars offering free meals, milk, water and soft drinks ran across the city at the same time, welcoming Muslims and Hindus alike.
On the occasion of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar’s 774th birthday, congratulations on the occasion of all faiths. Aapؒ’s teachings of love, tolerance, peace and humanity’s service are eternally followed today.
— Kamran Tessori (@KamranTessoriPk) February 7, 2026
Although Governor Sindh Kamran Tessori was slated to inaugurate the three-day clock, the province’s Auqaf Minister Syed Riaz Hussain Shah Shirazi performed the ritual instead. “It has become essential to spread the message of Sufism to overshadow the tentacles of extremism, intolerance and terrorism,” Shirazi said.
Authorities expect about three million devotees during the three-day event, surpassing last year’s attendance of 2.8 million. Located at the foothills of the Kirthar Mountains, about 146 kilometers from Hyderabad, Sehwan’s official population is only 322,000, underscoring the extraordinary influx of pilgrims.
Read more: Qalandar’s Urs: Sehwan drenched in devotion
The festivities feature Sugharan Jee Katchery (folk talks), an international literary conference, agro-industrial exhibitions, Malakhro (wrestling), cattle shows and thousands of stalls selling religious and spiritual souvenirs.
Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar (1177-1274), born in Marvand (Afghanistan) of 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, he was a philosopher, poet and spiritual guide whose shrine continues to draw 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 threat of terrorism or other obstacles can stop us from paying our respects,” added Aslam Haider, a devotee from Multan.
Read also: Urs ends with mela, literary, cultural discourse
Security measures are unprecedented: 5,000 policemen, 300 Ranges personnel and platoons from the army, navy and rapid reaction force have been deployed. Over 320 CCTV cameras monitor the city, with another 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 stands as a testament to Pakistan’s enduring Sufi heritage – a place where faith transcends borders and generations unite in celebration of peace, harmony and reverence.
