At a distance of 285 km from Karachi, lies a rural town named Sehwan Sharif. Famous for the shrine of Saint Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, Sehwan is one of the liveliest towns in the province of Sindh during the Islamic month of Shaaban.
Known to have achieved a high rank as a Dervesh (devotee) of the Qalandar order of Sufis, Syed Muhammad Usman of Marand was given the title of Lal (the colour he chose for his life-long apparel) Shahbaz (symbolising his height of devotion to the flight of a falcon) Qalandar (identifying the order of Sufism he belonged to).
Held every year on the 18, 19 and 20 of Shabaan, the annual Urs of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar is no less a kaleidoscope of colours and characters. Walking around in the courtyard of the shrine is an experience in itself. To the uninitiated, it’s like stepping into another world, where mysticism rules. From the malangs dancing to the beat of the large dhols to devotees holding the firm belief that the lord above will have mercy on them and grant their wishes, it’s a place where faith in the unseen reigns supreme.
The mureed (followers) of Shahbaz Qalandar will tell you of the miracles he performed, stories that have been carried down through generations. Be it the existence of a warm water spring at the spot of his worship place in Manghopir to the water well that sprung up when he tapped the spot with a stick to the bread he baked that fed hundreds of starving people. These are just some of the tales, many more will be shared by the attendees, each never failing to amaze you.
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