Shrine-based Urs Festivals (Pakistan)
Shrine-based Urs festivals in Pakistan are annual celebrations held at the tombs of Sufi saints, marking their death anniversaries as a union with the Divine. Music, especially qawwali, plays a central role in these festivals, serving as a spiritual practice to induce trance and devotion. Qawwals perform poetic verses that praise God, the Prophet Muhammad, and the saint being honored. The music creates a communal atmosphere where devotees engage in sama (spiritual listening) to attain ecstasy and closeness to the divine. These events attract people across social, religious, and class divides, blending spiritual devotion with cultural expression.
