Multan, also known as the “City of Saints,” is a thriving cultural hub in Pakistan. Its rich history, spiritual legacy, and deep-rooted traditions contribute to a city that enthusiastically celebrates its cultural variety. Multan comes alive throughout the year with various festivals and events highlighting the unique Multan cultures, art forms, and culinary delights. Here are some of the most significant religious and cultural festivals in Multan.
Religious Festivals in Multan
The religious festivals in Multan reflect the city’s enduring connection to faith, spirituality, and communal harmony. These festivals, rooted in both Islamic rituals and Sufi traditions, bring people together in devotion, prayer, and celebration. Multan’s most significant religious festivals highlight their cultural and spiritual importance.
Urs of Hazrat Bahauddin Zakariya
The Urs of Hazrat Bahauddin Zakariya is a religious Multan festivities. This annual ceremony commemorates the death anniversary of the famous Sufi saint Bahauddin Zakariya. A central figure in the spread of Sufism in the region, his mausoleum becomes a center of spiritual activity during the three-day celebration, attracting thousands of pilgrims from across the country.
During the Urs, spiritual gatherings, or “Mahafil-e-Sama,” are organized. These rituals feature recitations of Sufi poetry and mesmerizing Qawwali performances. These rituals evoke deep spiritual reflection and a sense of unity among attendees. The festival fosters a sense of devotion, where people seek blessings, pay homage to the saint, and experience the mystical elements of Sufi culture.
Urs of Shah Rukn-e-Alam
Another notable Multan event on the city’s spiritual calendar is the Urs of Shah Rukn-e-Alam, Bahauddin Zakariya’s grandson and a well-known Sufi figure. This religious gathering revolves around his grave, one of Multan’s most prominent buildings. During the Urs, the tomb is decorated with flowers, and devotees from all across Pakistan and abroad visit the place to partake in the prayers and rituals.
The Multan celebrations include Quran recitations, Sufi rites, and reciting hymns to Allah and the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Qawwali sessions, an important aspect of Sufi culture, contribute to the sacred environment. The Urs of Shah Rukn-e-Alam informs visitors of Multan’s rich Sufi legacy and the city’s role in promoting spiritual enlightenment.
Eid ul-Fitr
Eid ul-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, is a joyous occasion marked by prayers, feasting, and acts of charity. In Multan, as in the rest of Pakistan, the day begins with a special prayer at mosques or large open spaces, followed by festive meals shared with family and friends. The festival is a time of gratitude, where people come together to celebrate the successful completion of a month of fasting and spiritual reflection.
Eid ul-Adha
Eid ul-Adha, the “Festival of Sacrifice,” commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah’s command. The festival involves the ritual sacrifice of animals, symbolizing devotion and faith. In Multan, this is a communal event, where families distribute the meat among relatives, neighbors, and the less fortunate, reinforcing the values of charity and generosity.
Cultural Festivals in Multan
The city has numerous cultural festivals in Multan, reflecting its diverse history, vibrant arts, and deep-rooted customs. These festivals capture the essence of Multan’s culture, highlighting its craftsmanship, traditional music, folklore, and art while fostering unity and pride among its people. Let’s explore some of Multan’s most significant cultural festivals showcasing its colorful and dynamic heritage.
Basant
Among the many cultural festivals in Multan, Basant stands out as a colorful celebration of spring. During this festival, the sky over Multan is adorned with kites of every color and size, as people of all ages participate in kite-flying competitions. Though Basant’s origins are more commonly associated with Lahore, Multan events during this festival are equally exciting. Families gather on rooftops, preparing traditional foods like samosas and jalebis, while the streets are filled with music, laughter, and festive cheer.
Sufi Music Festivals
Sufi music is integral to Multan culture, and the city hosts several festivals yearly. These festivals celebrate the poetic and musical traditions of Sufism, with Qawwals and folk musicians from across the country performing soulful music. These festivals are not just a form of entertainment but a way for people to connect spiritually through the power of music. The trance-like beats of the dhol and the profound lyrics of Sufi poetry captivate audiences, fostering a sense of unity and devotion that resonates deeply with Multan’s festivities.
Multan Literary Festival
Multan’s intellectual and literary heritage is celebrated annually at the Multan Literary Festival, which brings together writers, poets, and scholars across Pakistan. This festival in Multan celebrates the city’s rich literary history and offers a platform for creative expression through poetry recitations, panel discussions, and book launches. It showcases traditional and contemporary themes, reflecting the diversity and evolution of Multan’s culture.
Mela Chowk Azam
A traditional fair, Mela Chowk Azam is a grand celebration of Multan’s rich culture and craftsmanship. The fair features stalls displaying local handicrafts, pottery, and textiles, giving artisans a platform to showcase their work. Traditional Multani block-printed fabrics, camel skin lamps, and intricate embroidery are among the fair’s highlights. Along with these, folk music and dance performances make the event a lively celebration of Multan’s heritage. The local celebrations in Multan during Mela Chowk Azam serve as a reminder of the city’s vibrant cultural identity.
Lok Mela Festival
Multan is known for its exquisite handicrafts, and the annual handicrafts exhibition highlights the city’s cultural calendar. The exhibition showcases traditional Multani products like blue pottery, embroidered textiles, and hand-woven carpets. This celebration of Multan’s heritage promotes local craftsmanship and preserves conventional art forms passed down through generations. The handicrafts exhibition is a testament to the city’s artistic legacy, attracting locals and visitors who appreciate the fine craftsmanship.
Cholistan Desert Jeep Rally
The Cholistan Desert Jeep Rally is a big event in Southern Punjab. It attracts thrill-seekers, tourists, and locals. The event happens near Multan and features jeep races through rugged desert terrain. Multan is the gateway to the Cholistan Desert, and many participants from the city joined the rally. Visitors can also enjoy cultural activities such as folk music performances, traditional dance, and exhibitions of local crafts. This event has become a symbol of adventure and the indomitable spirit of the people of this region.
Mango Festival
Multan is known for its delicious mangoes, especially the Sindhri and Chaunsa varieties, which are highly valued locally and internationally. The Mango Festival celebrates this “King of Fruits” and Multan’s strong agriculture. This annual festival includes exhibitions of different types of mangoes, tasting sessions, and competitions for the best mango growers. It also highlights Multan’s culinary culture with mango-based dishes, desserts, and drinks. The festival attracts traders, tourists, and food enthusiasts, providing a platform to showcase Multan’s produce and boost the local economy.
Conclusion
Multan’s religious and cultural festivals are a vibrant reflection of the city’s deep-rooted traditions and diverse heritage. Whether it is the spiritual devotion of the Urs or the artistic extravagance of Basant, these festivals unite the people of Multan in celebration, reinforcing a sense of community and shared identity. They offer a glimpse into the city’s soul, where faith, art, and history converge to create a unique and enduring festive spirit. Through these festivals, Multan continues to preserve its rich legacy while embracing the future, making it a city where tradition and modernity coexist in harmony.
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