Key Takeaways
- The Punjab government has announced a local public holiday on July 22.
- This decision aims to facilitate devotees and residents participating in the annual Urs celebrations.
- The holiday applies only within Multan district.
The Punjab government has issued an official notification declaring a public holiday on Tuesday, July 22, specifically for the city of Multan. This decision is made to mark the 787th annual Urs of Hazrat Bahauddin Zakariya Multani (RA), one of Pakistan's most significant religious gatherings.
According to an official statement from Multan Deputy Commissioner Dr. Faisal Saleem, all government offices, district-level departments, and public institutions within the city will remain closed on this day. The holiday is intended to ensure that local residents and pilgrims can participate in the Urs celebrations without any disruption.
Hazrat Bahauddin Zakariya (RA) was a prominent 13th-century Islamic scholar and spiritual leader of the Suhrawardi order, known for his contributions to spreading Islamic teachings across the region. His shrine, located in Multan's historic old city, attracts thousands of visitors annually who come to offer prayers and participate in various devotional ceremonies.
The Urs celebrations are a major event that brings together devotees from different parts of Pakistan. The local holiday is expected to facilitate smooth management of the large influx of visitors, ensuring that government employees can also take part in the festivities without any hindrance.
Dr. Faisal Saleem stated, 'This public holiday will help us manage the Urs celebrations more effectively and ensure that all participants, including government officials, can fully engage in the religious activities.' The holiday is limited to Multan district and does not extend to other parts of Punjab.
The annual Urs of Hazrat Bahauddin Zakariya Multani (RA) includes a series of religious gatherings, Quran recitations, special prayers, and devotional ceremonies. Thousands of devotees visit the shrine each year to pay tribute to the saint's teachings and seek blessings. The local holiday is intended to support these activities while maintaining order.
The decision to declare this public holiday underscores the importance of cultural and religious events in Pakistan's social fabric. It highlights how such celebrations are managed by government authorities to ensure they proceed smoothly, benefiting both residents and visitors.
'This public holiday will help us manage the Urs celebrations more effectively and ensure that all participants, including government officials, can fully engage in the religious activities.'
Dr. Faisal Saleem, Multan Deputy Commissioner
