Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai's urs begins today

The urs of Sindh's famous Sufi saint Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai will  begin from today, as thousands pay home to the poet across the province. 

The Sindh government has issued a list of standard operating procedures to be observed by those visiting his shrine in Bhit Shah located at the Matiari district.

The traditional activities of the three-day event will remain limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Sindh Governor Imran Ismail's participation at the opening ceremony of the urs has also been suspended.

"Simple events will be held [for the urs] in compliance with the COVID-19 SOPs," said SSP Matiari Asif Bughio. "Zaireens can recite fateha [at the shrine] but wearing masks will be mandatory," he said.

Earlier, the Sindh government had announced a holiday on October 2 due to Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai's urs.

The urs begins every year on 14th Safar (2nd month of Hijra calendar) and lasts for three days.

Thousands of people from across the province pay respect to the Sufi saint on the occasion of his urs.

Each year, the three-day ceremony of the urs begins with poetry marathons, literature conferences and other activities to celebrate the Sufi saint’s poetry.