Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar Urs: A Celebration of Spiritual Unity
Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar Urs is an annual festival held in the city of Sehwan Sharif, Pakistan. It’s celebrated to commemorate the death anniversary of the revered Sufi saint Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar. This festival is celebrated with great zeal and devotion by people from all walks of life, irrespective of their religion or caste. In this blog post, we will explore the history and significance of Hazrat Sakhi Shahbaz Qalandar Urs. We will also explore the traditions and rituals associated with this vibrant and colorful festival.
History and Significance of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar
Hazrat Sakhi Shahbaz Qalandar was a 12th-century Sufi saint who is widely revered in the Indian subcontinent. He is known by various titles, including Jhulelal, Lal Sain, Sehwan Wali Sarkar, and Shaikh Usman Marwandi. Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar was born in Marwand, a small town in present-day Afghanistan. He spent most of his life in Sehwan Sharif, a town located in the Sindh province of Pakistan.
Hazrat Sakhi Shahbaz Qalandar is considered a symbol of love, unity, and tolerance. His teachings emphasize the importance of spiritual purification and the pursuit of inner peace. He is revered by people of all faiths, including Muslims, Hindus, and Sikhs. His shrine in Sehwan Sharif is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the region.
Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar Urs: A Celebration of Unity
Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar Urs is celebrated every year on the 18th of Sha’aban. It is the eighth month of the Islamic calendar, which corresponds to March or April in the Gregorian calendar. The festival lasts for three days and attracts millions of devotees from all over the world. The main purpose of the Urs is to celebrate the life and teachings of Hazrat Sakhi Shahbaz Qalandar. It’s also celebrated to promote the message of peace, love, and harmony. He is revered by people of all faiths, including Muslims, Hindus, and Sikhs. His shrine in Sehwan Sharif is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the region.
Traditions and Rituals of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar Urs
The celebrations of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar Urs are characterized by a range of colorful and lively traditions and rituals. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key elements of this vibrant festival:
Qawwali and Sama
Qawali and Sama are two forms of devotional music that are an integral part of the Urs celebrations. Qawwali is a form of Sufi music. It involves the chanting of verses from the Quran and other religious texts, accompanied by the beat of the dholak (a traditional drum). Sama, on the other hand, is a form of spiritual dance. It involves swaying and spinning in a state of trance, accompanied by music and poetry. The Qawwali and Sama performances at the Urs are known for their energy, passion, and spiritual intensity.
Procession and Flag Hoisting
On the first day of the Urs, a procession is held to mark the start of the celebrations. The procession is led by the flag-bearers, who carry the green flag of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar. The flag is hoisted at the shrine, marking the start of the Urs.
Langar and Nazar
Langar is a free communal meal that is served to all visitors at the Urs. The food is prepared and served by volunteers, and the practice of Langar is seen as a symbol of community and equality. Nazar is a form of offering or donation. It is made by every devotee at the shrine, as a sign of their devotion and gratitude to Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar.
Dhammal and Zikr
Dhamal and Zikr are two forms of devotional dance that are performed at the Urs. Dhammal involves spinning and swaying in a state of trance. While Zikr involves the repetition of the name of Allah or a religious chant. Both forms of dance are seen as a way of connecting with the divine and attaining a state of spiritual ecstasy.
Chadar and Ghilaf
Chaddar and Ghilaf are two types of cloth coverings that are used to adorn the shrine of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar during the Urs. Chadar is a traditional shawl that is embroidered with religious verses and offered by devotees as a sign of their devotion. Ghilaf, on the other hand, is a large cloth that is used to cover the shrine and is changed every year during the Urs.
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The Message of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar Urs
Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar Urs is not just a celebration of a saint’s life and teachings, but also a symbol of unity and harmony. The Urs brings together people from all walks of life, irrespective of their religion, caste, or social status, and promotes the message of love, peace, and tolerance. The teachings of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar emphasize the importance of inner purification and the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment, and the Urs is an opportunity for devotees to connect with the divine and seek guidance on their spiritual journey.
Conclusion
Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar Urs is a vibrant and colorful festival that celebrates the life and teachings of a revered Sufi saint. The Urs is a symbol of unity and harmony, and brings together people from all walks of life to promote the message of peace, love, and tolerance. The traditions and rituals of the Urs are an expression of devotion and gratitude to Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, and offer a unique and awe-inspiring glimpse into the spiritual heritage of the Indian subcontinent.
