The district administration in Multan has officially designated July 22 as a local public holiday to observe the 787th annual Urs of the revered Sufi saint, Hazrat Bahauddin Zakariya Multani. The decision ensures that government operations pause, allowing thousands of devotees to participate in the spiritual gathering.
Official Notification Issued
According to an official notification issued by Deputy Commissioner Dr. Faisal Saleem, all government offices, public institutions, and district administrative offices within Multan will remain closed on the specified date. The declaration comes as preparations for the three-day Urs festival, a major event in the region’s Islamic spiritual calendar, reach their peak.
The notification explicitly states that the holiday is intended to facilitate the smooth conduct of the religious ceremonies. By suspending official work, the administration aims to ease traffic congestion and allow residents and pilgrims to attend the rituals without hindrance.
Significance of the Urs Celebrations
Hazrat Bahauddin Zakariya Multani, a prominent saint of the Suhrawardiyya Sufi order, is one of the most venerated figures in South Punjab. His shrine, located in the heart of Multan, attracts a massive influx of pilgrims from across the country every year during the Urs. The 787th edition of the event features traditional ceremonies, including Quran recitations, Qawwali sessions, and the distribution of food among attendees.
The local holiday underscores the cultural and religious significance of the saint’s legacy in Multan. While the closure strictly applies to public sector entities, private businesses and commercial areas typically operate on a modified schedule to accommodate the surge in visitors.
