DADU: The second day of celebrations of the 771st urs of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar went on smoothly according to traditions and official schedule on Sunday but many devotees complained of acute shortage of drinking water on the shrine premises and in the town.

“The administration is only minting money at the cost of devotees. They have done nothing to end shortage of drinking water in the town,” complained a devotee Anwar Chandio.

“I have purchased Jerry cans of water out of my own pocket,” said another devotee Mohammad Azeem.

“Four million bottles of mineral water are being distributed and sabeels have been set up along all streets and roads at a kilometre’s distance to supply drinking water to 1.5 million devotees during three days of urs,” said Jamshoro DC retired Captin Fareeduddin Mustafa.

Meanwhile, security officials posted at main entrance to the shrine did not frisk the visitors. Only guards at the hall’s gate were searching the devotees.

Sughar kachehry

A Sughar Kachehry was organised at Shahbaz auditorium in Sehwan on the 2nd day of urs in which well-known folk poets Khalil Mahesar, Azam Rahmatullah Lashari, Mumtaz Ali Abbasi, Faqir Fayaz Mahesar, Khalilur Rehman Mahesar, Ghulam Asghar Narejo, Bhitai Dino Bhanbhro, Mohammad Nawaz Chana, Irshad Ali Arzai, Ashiq Arain, Ali Hasan Solangi, Roshan Ali Kori, Mohammad Hasan Hakro, Hakim Ali Korin and Ijaz Ali Kalhoro presented different genres of literature including dor bait, sangar, gujharat, dahis, etc.

Anwar Sagar Kandharu performed duties as stage secretary. Famous artists Jai Ram Jogi, Murali received great applause from the audience by singing folk songs. A souvenir published by Shehbaz Mela Committee on the occasion of the urs was also unveiled during Sughar Kachehry.

Malakhro

Sindh’s traditional game of Malakhro was organised at the Malakhro ground in which well-known wrestlers of the province took part.

Sindhi caps and gifts were presented to players and distinguished guests on the occasion.

Published in Dawn, March 13th, 2023