The district administration has declared October 1 as a public holiday to observe the annual Urs of renowned Sufi poet and mystic Hazrat Khawaja Ghulam Farid (R.A). The announcement was made through an official notification issued by Deputy Commissioner Khurram Pervez on Saturday.
According to the notification, all government offices in the district will remain closed on the day of the Urs. However, the holiday will not apply to ongoing board examinations, banks, or federal institutions, which will continue with normal operations.
Hazrat Khawaja Ghulam Farid (1845–1901) is remembered as one of the greatest Sufi poets of South Asia. Born in Chachran, Bahawalpur, he was a follower of both the Chishti and Qadiri Sufi traditions. His Saraiki poetry, compiled in Diwan-e-Farid, is celebrated for its themes of divine love, compassion, and the beauty of nature. His devotional Kafi verses remain deeply influential in mystic traditions.
The Urs draws thousands of devotees every year, who gather in Rahim Yar Khan and surrounding areas to honor his spiritual teachings. The commemorations include recitations, spiritual gatherings, and devotional music, reflecting the Sufi saint’s message of peace, tolerance, and harmony.
The public holiday ensures that followers and visitors can fully participate in the celebrations, which hold a special place in the cultural and spiritual life of the region.
