The Sindh government has declared February 19, 2025 (Wednesday) a public holiday to commemorate the annual Urs of the revered Sufi saint Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar. The notification, issued by the Services, General Administration, and Coordination Department, mandates the closure of all government and semi-government offices, autonomous bodies, corporations, and educational institutions across the province, excluding essential services. The Sindh High Court and its subordinate courts will also remain closed on this day.
Significance of the Urs
The Urs marks the death anniversary of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, a 13th-century Sufi saint whose shrine in Sehwan Sharif attracts hundreds of thousands of devotees annually. This year’s event spans three days (February 17–19), aligning with the 18th to 20th of Shaban in the Islamic calendar. The festivities include:
- Dhamal: A devotional dance performed to rhythmic drumming.
- Qawwali and Sufi Music: Spiritual recitals celebrating the saint’s teachings.
- Cultural Events: Traditional Sindhi wrestling (Malakhro) and literary conferences.
Logistical Arrangements
To accommodate pilgrims, Pakistan Railways is operating special trains:
- Faisalabad to Sehwan Sharif: Departs February 14 (10:00 PM), arriving February 15 (2:15 PM).
- Lahore to Sehwan Sharif: Departs February 15 (3:00 PM), arriving February 16 (9:00 AM).
Return trips are scheduled for February 20. The provincial government has also set up support centers at the shrine to manage the influx of devotees.
Pakistan’s 2025 Holiday Calendar
While February 19 is a provincial holiday specific to Sindh, the federal government’s 2025 public holidays include:
- Kashmir Day (February 5)
- Eid-ul-Fitr (March 30–April 1)
- Eid-ul-Azha (June 7–9)
- Ashura (July 5–6).
The Urs holiday reflects Sindh’s cultural and religious priorities, distinct from national observances
