The Sindh Government has officially announced a province-wide public holiday on Saturday, February 7, 2026, on the occasion of the 774th Urs of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar. The decision aims to facilitate millions of devotees expected to visit Sehwan Sharif during the annual spiritual gathering.
π Public Holiday Notification β Who Will Remain Closed?
According to the official notification, the following institutions will observe the holiday across Sindh:
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Provincial government offices
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Semi-government and autonomous bodies
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Corporations and local councils
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All public and private educational institutions
This ensures smooth participation of employees and students in Urs-related activities.
π« Educational Institutions Closure Across Sindh
All schools, colleges, and universities (public & private) will remain closed on February 7. Parents and students are advised to plan academic schedules accordingly, especially with exams or assessments around this period.
π Essential Services Will Stay Operational
Despite the public holiday, essential and emergency services will continue without interruption, including:
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Hospitals and emergency wards
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Rescue and security departments
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Public safety and health services
Authorities have emphasized uninterrupted medical coverage due to the large number of pilgrims.
π Special Local Holiday in Jamshoro District
To manage the heavy rush toward Sehwan Sharif, the Deputy Commissioner Jamshoro has separately declared February 7 as a local holiday in the district. This step is meant to ensure better crowd management, traffic flow, and public safety during Urs days.
π Extended Holiday Week for Sindh Residents
This announcement creates a long break for many citizens in Sindh:
| Date | Occasion |
|---|---|
| February 4 (Wednesday) | Shab-e-Barat (Educational Holiday) |
| February 5 (Thursday) | Kashmir Solidarity Day (National Holiday) |
| February 7 (Saturday) | Lal Shahbaz Qalandar Urs (Sindh Holiday) |
This extended gap is expected to significantly increase travel toward Sehwan Sharif.
π Urs Ceremonies to Begin on February 7
The three-day Urs celebrations will officially commence on February 7, 2026, and are scheduled to be inaugurated by the Governor of Sindh. Traditional rituals, dhamal, and religious gatherings will take place under tight security arrangements.
Is February 7, 2026 a public holiday in Sindh?
Yes, the Sindh government has declared a province-wide public holiday on this date.
Will private schools and colleges remain closed?
Yes, both public and private educational institutions will observe the holiday.
Are hospitals and emergency services closed?
No, all essential and emergency services will remain operational.
Is the holiday applicable outside Sindh?
No, this is a provincial holiday limited to Sindh only.
Why is Jamshoro given a separate local holiday?
Due to the massive influx of pilgrims traveling to Sehwan Sharif for Urs celebrations.
Final Thoughts
The Sindh governmentβs decision reflects the spiritual importance of Lal Shahbaz Qalandarβs Urs and ensures smooth participation for devotees across the province. With extended holidays and special local arrangements, authorities aim to balance religious observance with public safety and administrative efficiency. This timely notification allows citizens to plan travel, education, and official work well in advance.
