People visit shrines to pay tribute to the selected personality. Sindh is blessed with the glorious Shrines of great Sufi Saints of olden times. Lal Shahbaz Qalandar Shrine is located in Sehwan, one of the most famous shrines in Sindh. Sehwan is a mystical city; this whole city is settled because of this shrine and spread around it. The thing that makes this site unique from any other shrines is that no devotee is classified into any particular religion. Muslims are not the only ones coming to Lal Shahbaz’s Shrine but the People of different religions and sects such as Hindus, Sikhs, Christian; every one comes with their devotion and love.
The real name of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar was Syed Mohammad Usman Shah Maiwandi, born in Maiwand, Afghanistan. The word Lal of this great saint’s name because of his red attire but some also say his forehead glows like ruby, and Shahbaz to denote a divine spirit. He was a renowned Sufi saint, philosopher, and poet who preached love, religious harmony, and tolerance, regardless of sects or caste. He travelled around the Muslim world and played a major role in the propagation of Islam in the subcontinent. He died on 19 February 1274 and the Shrine was built in 1356 CE.
The architecture of the Shrine is very beautiful. Its golden dome can be seen from afar. The Shrine is decorated with Sindhi Kashi tiles, beautiful mirror work, and a huge gold plated gate at the entrance which looks extremely distinguish. This is the first Shrine in Pakistan whose Chadar is changed every day at 4 o’clock which is called Dastar Bandi. Chadar is a beautiful cloth that is placed over the grave. There are 2 mosques inside the Shrine. The most famous thing about the Shrine is the Langer (Providing food in a shrine regardless of caste or religious background), which runs all the time. Whoever comes here does not go hungry.
Here you will get a great impression. You are amazed at the devotion and ecstasy of the people. People have been coming here since the 13th century and to this day the popularity of this place has not diminished. When you come here, you will see a large number of devotees. People from all over the world come here to greet. Here you see Quite a unique atmosphere.
Urs (Annual festival)
There are 2 programs here, one on 27th Rajab (a month in the Islamic calendar) when the shrine is bathed with flower petals, and the second big program is held on 18th, 19th, and 20th Shaban which is also called Urs. Qalandar’s Urs (annual festival) brings millions of pilgrims from across the country and all over the world. The Shrine is filled up with an ocean of people at Urs time. On this occasion, the Shrine is decorated with colorful lights that look very beautiful. Everyone celebrates Urs in their distinct way.
Dhamal (A Meditative Dance)
Dhamal is a meditative dance performed by devotees to a drumbeat at the Shrine Lal Shahbaz Qalandar. It has not been stopped for a single day since the Shrine was built. Nobat (Drumbeat) plays in the evening and then Dhamal begins here which people travel afar to see. A separate place has been set aside for Dhamal. It is attended by a big number of devotees. Everyone has their method, according to express their devotion here, it’s captivating. The people are free to perform all rituals according to their beliefs. Here you experience a transcendental feeling. The famous song ‘Dama Dam Mast Qalandar’, among many other songs, has been inspired by this Shrine.
Location of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar
Lal Shahbaz Qalandar Shrine is located at the heart of the town of Sehwan in Sindh province. It takes around one and half hours from Hyderabad, covering a distance of approximately 150 kilometers and about 4 hours (285.7 km) drive from Karachi.
Nearby Attractions
There are following attractions and places to visit near Lal Shahbaz Qalandar Shrine.
Sehwan Market
Shewan market is quite a big market which is surrounded by the Shrine. It’s a very colorful market which contains restaurants, various shops, and food stalls. The Sehwan market is a sight to behold and also has a history.
Folk Craft Museum Sehwan
Folk Craft Museum is located just before the Shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar. It was built on 10 Feb 2020. It’s a very beautiful museum displaying ancient Sindh culture, heritage, Paintings, and Models including Archaeological Works.
Hotel Sehwan Divine
Hotel Sehwan Devine is a wonderful place to stay. It’s located next to Sehwan on the main highway, about 15 minutes walking from the Shrine. The hotel also has a good restaurant.
Ulta Qila
This place is called Ulta Qila because it is narrated that the fort to have been turned upside down. It is located at a short distance from the Shrine. The fort was ruled by a cruel Hindu king and the people were annoyed with him. One day a man told the king that there is a man name Bodla bahar who loves Lal Shahbaz more than anything.
As the king was also exhausted by his slogans, he ordered to call him to his court and told him to stop his frenzy but he refused. The king slaughtered them bitterly and ate their flesh. When Hazrat Lal Shahbaz found out, he cursed him and prayed that after a few moments the fort was turned upside down and today its effects are still there. Many people come to visit this place.
When visiting this shrine in Sindh province do not forget to visit Ranikot and Kot Diji Forts, Mohenjo Daro (Modern City of Ancient Times) and Gorakh Hill Station (Murree of Sindh).
