HYDERABAD, April 16: Arrangements for holding the three-day 259th Urs of Sufi poet and saint Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai at Bhit Shah, beginning on April 17, have been completed.

The Sindh government has announced public holiday throughout the province for April 17.

The district police have made strict security arrangements and intensified patrolling to maintain law and order.

Chief Minister Ali Mohammad Khan Mahar will inaugurate the Urs by laying a Chadar on the shrine of Shah Latif.

Various government departments have set up stalls at the fair and an industrial exhibition will also be held.

A horse race competition will be held on the first day and Malakhra (wrestling) will be held on all the three days of the Urs.

A literary conference will be held on April 18 and 19, which has been jointly organized by the Sindh Cultural and Tourism Department, Bhit Shah Cultural Committee and the Shah Latif Chair, University of Karachi.

Noted scholars from all over the country will attend the conference and read papers on “Sur Momil Rano”.

A musical programme will be held on April 19.

The chief minister will give away Latif Awards to the best vocalist, Tabla Nawaz, writer, wrestler and other artists. The Latif Award will also be given to owner of the best cattle.