The Sindh government has announced a public holiday on Saturday, August 9, 2025, in observance of the 282nd annual Urs of the revered Sufi poet-saint Hazrat Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai (SUFI Festival). The three-day spiritual and cultural celebration will begin at Bhittai’s shrine in Bhit Shah, drawing thousands of devotees, scholars, and artists from across Pakistan.
Preparations for Sufi Festival
Sindh’s Secretary for Culture, Muhammad Khan Kloro, confirmed that preparations are nearly complete. A formal notification of the holiday has been issued, and the provincial Culture Minister has invited Governor Kamran Tessori to inaugurate the event.
This year’s Urs will feature Sufi music, poetry recitals, literary gatherings, and spiritual rituals focused on Bhittai’s enduring message of love, unity, and peace. To ensure a peaceful environment, all relevant departments have been placed on high alert, and the Hyderabad Deputy Commissioner has banned the display of weapons in and around the event.
Holiday Calendar of Pakistan
The holiday is part of Pakistan’s official 2025 public holiday calendar, which includes 16 national holidays such as:
- Kashmir Day (Feb 5)
- Pakistan Day (Mar 23)
- Labour Day (May 1)
- Yom-e-Takbeer (May 28)
- Independence Day (Aug 14)
- Defense Day (Sep 6)
- Iqbal Day (Nov 9)
- Quaid-e-Azam Day (Dec 25)
Religious holidays for Eid ul-Fitr, Eid ul-Adha, Ashura, and Eid Milad-un-Nabi
The Urs of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai remains one of Sindh’s most cherished cultural events, highlighting the province’s Sufi heritage and its inclusive spiritual traditions.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, August 7th, 2025
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