description Lal Shahbaz Qalandar Shrine Overview
The Lal Shahbaz Qalandar Shrine is a Sufi dargah in Sehwan, Sindh, Pakistan, built around the tomb of the 13th-century saint Usman Marwandi, known as Lal Shahbaz Qalandar. The shrine is an important centre of devotion for followers of the saint and receives pilgrims from across South Asia. Its observances include the annual urs and devotional practices such as dhamal, a vigorous form of spiritual dance.
help Lal Shahbaz Qalandar Shrine FAQ
Who is buried at the Lal Shahbaz Qalandar Shrine?
The shrine in Sehwan, Sindh, Pakistan holds the tomb of the 13th-century Sufi saint Usman Marwandi, reverently called Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, traditionally said to have lived from 1177 to 1274. He is among the most beloved Sufi figures in South Asia.
What is the dhamal ritual performed at the shrine?
Dhamal is an ecstatic devotional dance performed to pounding drums, most famously in the evening hours at the shrine, with whirling devotees and qawwali-style singing. It has made Sehwan one of the most visually iconic Sufi pilgrimage sites in Pakistan.
What happened at the shrine in the 2017 bombing?
In February 2017 a suicide bomber attacked the crowded shrine, killing around 90 people, one of Pakistan's deadliest attacks in years. Devotees famously returned to perform dhamal within days, which became a symbol of defiance.
Is this the shrine mentioned in the famous song 'Dama Dam Mast Qalandar'?
Yes, the beloved devotional song honors Lal Shahbaz Qalandar himself, and it has been performed by legendary artists including Runa Laila, Abida Parveen, and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. It is one of the best-known Qalandari devotional songs in the subcontinent.
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