Festival of lights

Shah Hussain Naqvi happens to visit the Mela Chiraghan spiritual festival every year. Naqvi has a strong spiritual affiliation with the shrine of Hazrat Shah Hussain. Speaking to Bol News, he said the teachings of Hazrat Shah Hussain are very unique in their nature.

“The essence of the Sufi’s [poetry] enables [his] readers to understand and perceive the true meaning of human existence. The soul of the poetry and his preaching educate the people on how to develop a relationship with their Creator. The ultimate purpose of his teachings through his style of poetry was to preach humbleness and humility.”

Jaffar was also one of the many attendees present at the annual festival. He explained the significance of this festival and stated, “The emotional and spiritual attachments with the Sufi saint helps a lot to become a good human. His life is a beacon of light which guides us on how to tackle the difficulties of life. [He] educates the people to see the signs of their Lord in nature and each other.”

Every year I visit this annual urs to gain and enhance spiritual satisfaction, he revealed. “I prayed to fulfil my goals on this auspicious occasion.”

Zawar Hussain visited the shrine on the occasion along with his family. Speaking to Bol News, he said, “I am very happy and grateful to visit the shrine of such an eminent Sufi elder. I have also brought my children and other family members with me because we have a firm belief that through the blessings of the saint, our prayers will be answered by our Lord,” he expressed.

“I have been blessed with a son after I prayed at this shrine. Since then, my family and I annually visit the shrine of Hazrat Madho Lal Hussain to pay our tribute to the saint by lighting a lamp at the shrine.”

People from all over the country recently came together to celebrate the saint’s 434th annual urs. Thousands of devotees from areas across the country took part in the three-day celebrations at the shrine. Moreover, a number of foreigners were also present to attend the urs proceedings. The attendees held traditional fire ‘Mach’ to pay tribute and homage to the Sufi saint while the disciples also crooned Kafis written by the saint and read his poetic verses.

Moreover, the devotees gyrated to the beats of dhol. The families were also present at the festival to pay their respect at the shrine. The children were seen running and playing all over the premises. A variety of sweets with exceptional taste were also available at the festival for the visitors. As a sign of respect, the followers of the Sufi saint performed various rituals at the shrine. The devotees distributed food among the visitors. Traditional chadors inscribed with holy texts were also laid on the grave of the saint.

Punjab Minister for Auqaf and Religious Affairs Syed Saeedul Hassan Shah inaugurated the proceedings of the 434the urs of Madho Lal Hussain by placing a traditional chador on the grave of the saint.

He offered special prayers for the development, peace, security and prosperity of the country. Dr Tahir Raza Bokhari, DG religious affairs, and administrator Auqaf Tajamal Abbas Rana along with other officials were also present. Speaking on the occasion, the provincial Auqaf minister said that by disseminating and promoting the teachings of such great Saints, we can eradicate extremism, radicalisation and terrorism from our society. Langar (free food) for visitors was arranged by the Department of Auqaf. Renowned qawwals and an eminent Naat Khawan presented religious poetry during the urs days.