Sufi Shrine Festivals Reviving Cultural Celebrations in Pakistan
SHAH JIWANA, Pakistan — Rhythmic drums and spirited dancing are once again bringing life to the shrines of Pakistan’s saints, where festivals were long stifled by jihadist violence. As the harvest season ends and schools finish for the summer, villagers climb atop tractor trolleys, buses and rickshaws to head to the annual celebrations at Sufi shrines dotted across the country.
Reuniting Communities Through Festivals
“Those who cannot meet during the rest of the year reunite at the fair,” said Muhammad Nawaz, a farmer from Punjab province at the annual “mela” to honor saint Shah Jiwana in Jhang city in May. “These fairs and Punjab’s culture share a profound connection, one of love and brotherhood.”
Resurgence of Sufi Shrine Festivals
Fairgrounds, musicians, traditional wrestlers, and motorcycle acrobats delight pilgrims lit by lanterns of all colors — but always under the watchful eye of hundreds of police officers.
Overcoming Adversity
Centuries-old Sufi orders across the Islamic world have millions of followers, from Turkey to South Asia, and their beliefs are rooted in mysticism and a devotion to saints. Many orthodox hardliners consider Sufi beliefs heretical, however, and Sunni militant groups such as the Pakistani Taliban and Islamic State have carried out bloody attacks at shrines and festivals.
Resilience of Pakistani Culture
“Culture always has a remarkable resilience, capable of absorbing shocks and persevering through challenging times,” said anthropologist and author Zulfiqar Ali Kalhoro.
Celebrating Spiritual Union
The annual celebrations commemorate the anniversaries of a saint’s death and symbolize the spiritual union between devotees and the divine.
Embracing Diversity and Inclusion
Sufi shrines often attract marginalized groups, including transgender women and drug addicts, providing a welcoming space for all.
Community Unity Through Festivals
“Because of how widespread hate and sectarianism are in our country, it’s crucial to organize events like these where people can come together and foster love,” said eighteen-year-old Hamid Ijaz.