The Sindh government has officially announced a public holiday on February 19, 2025 (Wednesday) in observance of the annual Urs celebrations of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar. This decision was confirmed in a notification issued by the Department of Services, General Administration & Coordination.
Public and Private Offices to Remain Closed
According to the notification, all public and private offices, autonomous bodies, semi-autonomous organizations, corporations, and local councils under the administrative control of the Sindh government will remain closed on this day, with the exception of essential services.
The Sindh High Court (SHC) has also announced a public holiday on February 19. The SHC and its subordinate courts will remain closed to mark the auspicious occasion.
Three-Day Urs Celebrations to Begin on February 17
The annual Urs celebrations will commence on Monday, February 17, 2025, and will span three days. Devotees from across the country will gather at Sehwan Sharif to participate in various religious and cultural activities, including:
- Dhamal (spiritual dance ritual)
- Qawwali (devotional music performances)
- Recital of Sufi poetry and music
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Pakistan Railways Announces Special Trains for Urs
To accommodate the large number of pilgrims traveling to Sehwan Sharif, Pakistan Railways has scheduled two special trains:
- Faisalabad to Sehwan Sharif – Departs February 14, Friday, at 10:00 PM, arriving on Saturday at 2:15 PM.
- Lahore to Sehwan Sharif – Departs February 15, Saturday, at 3:00 PM, arriving on Sunday at 9:00 AM.
Return Schedule:
- The Faisalabad-bound train will depart Sehwan Sharif at 4:00 PM on February 20, arriving the next day at 9:00 AM.
- The Lahore-bound train will depart at 5:00 PM on February 20, reaching its destination at 11:30 AM the next day.
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Final Thoughts
The announcement of a public holiday reflects the cultural and religious significance of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar’s Urs in Pakistan. Thousands of devotees are expected to participate in the celebrations, making it one of the most revered and vibrant religious gatherings in the country. Pakistan Railways’ special train services will further facilitate the smooth travel of attendees.
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