Hyderabad
The 151st annual Urs of Sain Hazrat Darwish Hamal Faqir, a revered spiritual leader, commenced in Sukkur with great enthusiasm and participation from local leaders, spiritual figures, and the general public. The multi-day event, celebrated with religious devotion and cultural festivities, draws devotees from across Sindh and beyond, highlighting both spiritual traditions and regional community engagement.

Among the prominent attendees were Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA) Ghulam Qadir Chandio, Commissioner Shaheed Benazirabad Shamir Khan Bhutto, Patron-in-Chief of the Mili Community Muhammad Saleh Kario, Deputy Director Shaheed Benazirabad Dr. Ijaz Ali Laghari, Imam Din Jhalbani, and spiritual leader Dada Ghulam Shah Laghari. The presence of these dignitaries underscored the cultural and social importance of the Urs in the local community.

The Urs, which has been held annually for over a century, serves as a platform for devotees to pay homage, seek blessings, and participate in various cultural activities. It not only reflects spiritual reverence but also fosters community cohesion, bringing together people of diverse backgrounds in celebration of shared traditions.

A major attraction of this year’s Urs was the livestock exhibition organized by the Livestock Department, showcasing high-quality breeds of goats. The exhibition also featured a remarkable display of camels and horses, drawing attention from both farmers and visitors. This initiative highlights the local administration’s efforts to combine cultural festivities with agricultural and livestock promotion, providing a platform for breeders to present their best stock and encouraging advancements in animal husbandry.

During the exhibition, Deputy Director Dr. Ijaz Ali Laghari played a central role in organizing and overseeing the display of top-quality goats, camels, and horses. His efforts were formally recognized by MPA Ghulam Qadir Chandio, who presented an award to Dr. Laghari for his exceptional contribution to the livestock exhibition. The award highlighted the importance of promoting high-standard breeds and encouraging community participation in agricultural development initiatives.

In addition to the livestock exhibition, the Urs featured spiritual gatherings, devotional sessions, and communal prayers, emphasizing the teachings and philosophy of Hazrat Darwish Hamal Faqir. Devotees engaged in rituals and recitations, seeking spiritual guidance and blessings, while local authorities ensured the smooth conduct of events with adequate facilities for attendees.

The Urs also serves as a platform for local economic and cultural activity. Stalls, handicrafts, and traditional food vendors added vibrancy to the event, offering visitors a glimpse of regional culture and promoting local entrepreneurship. The integration of cultural activities with spiritual observances has been a hallmark of this annual Urs, fostering both devotion and community engagement.

The Livestock Department’s initiative to include high-quality animal exhibitions at the Urs has received positive feedback from breeders and visitors alike. Experts noted that such exhibitions encourage better breeding practices, raise awareness about livestock quality, and can have a lasting impact on local agricultural productivity. By combining religious tradition with practical community benefits, the event not only honors spiritual heritage but also promotes economic and agricultural development.

Speaking at the event, MPA Ghulam Qadir Chandio praised the organizers for their efforts in maintaining the spiritual and cultural significance of the Urs while also promoting livestock development. He emphasized that events like these play a crucial role in preserving Sindh’s heritage and fostering community cohesion.

Commissioner Shamir Khan Bhutto highlighted the importance of active participation from both the administration and community leaders in ensuring the success of such large-scale events. The collaborative effort between local authorities, spiritual institutions, and the community was noted as a key factor in the Urs’ continued prominence and smooth execution.

The 151st Urs of Hazrat Darwish Hamal Faqir in Sukkur thus represents a harmonious blend of spirituality, culture, and agriculture. With thousands of devotees attending and significant local leadership participation, the event continues to reinforce community values, celebrate religious traditions, and support local economic activities, particularly in the livestock and agricultural sectors.

As the Urs continues over the following days, organizers plan additional spiritual gatherings, cultural programs, and livestock exhibitions, ensuring both the devotional and community aspects of the festival are fully realized. The event remains a testament to Sindh’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage, drawing attention from across the province and beyond while promoting local development initiatives in meaningful ways.