Mela Channan Pir: local holiday announced in Bahawalpur district

LAHORE: On the occasion of Mela Channan Pir in Bahawalpur, the district administration has announced a public holiday on March 7, the notification of which has also been published.

In the notification issued by the district administration, it is stated that Thursday, March 7 will be a local holiday in the district.

Channan Pir, located about 65 KM from Bahawalpur, is famous for a Sufi Saint who lies buried here in an open grave covered in a green sheet as he wished.

The mela which bears his name is celebrated in the Cholistan desert over seven consecutive Thursdays starting in February every year. The fifth Thursday is the most popular day and also observed as a local holiday. It is a centre of the spiritual and cultural heritage of Cholistan.

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For hundreds of years, people have come from all corners of Cholistan and beyond to join in the festivities. It is now the most popular festival in southern Punjab, with Hindus and Muslims participating as one in the theatre performances, magic shows, dancing, rides, horse and camel shows, jewelry shopping, and, of course, feasting.

Most of those who come stay overnight and leave on Friday morning, after a magical night on the sand dunes under the wide open sky. The visitors throw tabbaruk (the sacred sweet) and the persons who pick and taste this tabarruk are supposed to be fortunate in achieving their worldly pursuits.

Every year in the month of February Urs, his death anniversary is celebrated with devotees coming across Pakistan to pay their homage where colorful events such Sufi Dancing, camel dancing and other many fascinating events take place.

MATRIC EXAMS TO BE HELD AS SCHEDULED

On the other hand, matriculation exams in the district will be held as scheduled despite the public holiday announcement.

The board statement confirms that examinations scheduled for March 7 by the Bahawalpur Board will proceed as planned.

Papers for Geography, Commercial Geography, Computer Hardware, Environmental Studies, and Home Economics will be conducted as scheduled.