KARACHI: The 1293rd Urs celebrations of the revered Sufi Hazrat Abdullah Shah Ghazi began in Karachi with the inauguration by Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori. The governor laid a floral wreath and offered special prayers for the country’s security, development, and prosperity.
During the opening ceremony, Governor Tessori emphasized the importance of following the teachings of Sufi saints to promote religious harmony. He highlighted that the religion of Islam spread due to the character and teachings of these saints, which revolved around love, tolerance, and brotherhood.
حضرت عبداللہ شاہ غازی کے مزار پر چادر چڑھا کر 1293 ویں عرس کا افتتاح کیا، فاتحہ پڑھی اور ملک اور صوبہ کی ترقی و خوشحالی کے لئے خصوصی دعا کی،حضرت عبداللہ شاہ غازی کے تین روزہ عرس کی تقریبات 11 جولائی تک جاری رہیں گی pic.twitter.com/LcbkRLFabi
— Kamran Tessori (@KamranTessoriPk) July 9, 2023
To facilitate the large number of devotees visiting the shrine of Hazrat Abdullah Shah Ghazi, the Karachi traffic police issued an alternative route due to the closure of both tracks of the road under the flyover. The traffic police spokesman stated that the traffic coming from Casino to the shrine would be diverted to Alibaba Chowrangi, allowing it to continue towards its destination via Bilawal Chowrangi. Meanwhile, the traffic going to the Mazar flyover from 26 Street would be able to proceed uninterrupted, while both roads under the flyover would remain closed.
Public Holiday in Karachi
In conjunction with the Urs celebrations, the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) has officially declared a public holiday on July 11, 2023. This holiday will apply to all offices falling under the jurisdiction of the KMC, allowing individuals to participate fully in the annual Urs of Hazrat Abdullah Shah Ghazi. The celebrations will span three days, culminating on July 13, and will feature various events such as qawwali sessions, Naat programs, and a concluding qawwali session.
The annual Urs of Hazrat Abdullah Shah Ghazi holds great significance for devotees, who gather to pay their respects and seek blessings at the revered shrine. The celebrations provide an opportunity for spiritual reflection and reinforce the values of unity, peace, and devotion that the Sufi saint embodied.
