The Punjab government has announced a local public holiday in Multan on Tuesday, July 22, to mark the 787th annual Urs of Hazrat Bahauddin Zakariya Multani (RA), one of the biggest religious gatherings in South Punjab.
According to a notification issued by Multan Deputy Commissioner Dr Faisal Saleem, all government offices, district departments and public institutions across Multan will remain closed on the occasion.
The district administration declared the holiday to facilitate the large number of devotees and residents expected to take part in the annual Urs. Every year, pilgrims from different parts of Pakistan travel to Multan to visit the shrine, offer prayers and attend religious and spiritual ceremonies held in honour of the renowned Sufi saint.
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Situated in the historic old city of Multan, the shrine of Hazrat Bahauddin Zakariya (RA) is regarded as one of Pakistan’s most important Sufi landmarks and continues to attract visitors from across the country.
Hazrat Bahauddin Zakariya (RA), a renowned 13th-century Islamic scholar and spiritual leader of the Suhrawardi order, played a significant role in spreading Islamic teachings throughout the region. He is widely remembered for his lasting contributions to Sufism in the Indian subcontinent.
The annual Urs features Quran recitations, special prayers, religious gatherings and devotional ceremonies. Thousands of devotees also visit the shrine to pay tribute to the saint’s teachings and seek blessings.
The local administration said the holiday will allow government employees, residents and pilgrims to participate in the Urs while helping authorities manage the large crowds expected during the celebrations.
The public holiday, however, is limited to Multan district and will not be observed in other parts of Punjab.