Annual Urs of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai starts

The 281st Urs of the Sufi Saint Hazrat Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai began at his mausoleum in Bhit Shah, Matiari district, on Tuesday.

Governor Kamran Tessori formally inaugurated the three-day celebrations, while KPK Governor Faisal Karim Kundi also visited the shrine.

Tens of thousands of devotees have thronged the small rural town, located about 50 kilometers from Hyderabad near the National Highway.

Approximately 1,600 policemen have been deployed for security, and the entire town is under CCTV surveillance. Parking has been arranged nearly a kilometer away from the shrine.

The Urs will feature a variety of activities, including musical nights to entertain visitors over the three days. Additionally, there will be exhibitions, cattle shows, horse races, traditional wrestling, and literary events, culminating in an award distribution ceremony. Around 120 artists are expected to perform during the three musical nights. Speaking to the media, the Sindh governor highlighted that the annual Urs celebrations underscore the historical importance of peace and harmony, values imparted by Sufi saints like Bhitai. "Sindh contributes 90% to the national economy, yet people here face issues such as electricity, water, gas, health, and education," he remarked.