In the heart of Khairpur, the village of Daraza Sharif recently transformed into a sanctuary of rhythmic devotion for the 205th Urs of Hazrat Sachal Sarmast. In early March, thousands of pilgrims gathered at the Dar-e-Raaz (Gate of Secrets) to honor the mystic popularly known as the “Poet of Seven Languages.” While contemporary discourse often obsesses over Western cultural shifts, this annual pilgrimage serves as a powerful reminder of the subcontinent’s indigenous radical philosophy.
The 205th Urs Mubarak of the revered seven-language poet and Sufi saint Hazrat Sachal Sarmast (RA) was graciously inaugurated by Honourable Chief Minister Sindh Syed @MuradAliShahPPP at Daraza Sharif, Khairpur.
The event was graced by the presence of Provincial Minister for… pic.twitter.com/hWHxhrB5ll
— Culture, Tourism, Antiquities & Archives Dept, GoS (@Ministerculture) March 4, 2026
The Rebel of Daraza
Born Abdul Wahab Farooqui, the title “Sachal” (The Truthful One) and “Sarmast” (The Intoxicated) define his poetic essence. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Sachal was a fierce iconoclast. He famously challenged the religious orthodoxy of the 18th century, advocating for a direct, ecstatic connection with the Divine that bypassed ritualistic gatekeeping. His work, composed in Sindhi, Seraiki, Persian, and four other tongues, remains a manifesto for spiritual independence and universal love.
A Multimodal Celebration
The 2026 commemorations blended centuries-old traditions with modern preservation efforts. The festivities began with the traditional Chador laying ceremony at the blue-tiled shrine, led by the Sajjada Nashin and provincial dignitaries. However, the true pulse of the event lay in the Mehfil-e-Sama. Under the open sky, renowned folk vocalists performed the saint’s Kafis, utilizing high-pitched, soul-stirring melodies to induce a state of spiritual trance (wajd) among the listeners.
205th Annual Urs of Hazrat Sachal Sarmast pic.twitter.com/Xx7w1KXQVb
— Taj Solangi (@TajSolangi5) March 6, 2026
A standout feature this year was the focus on sonic heritage. The Sindh Culture Department utilized the Urs to launch a digital archive of local folk artists, ensuring that the unique instrumental sounds of the damboor and yaktara are preserved for a global audience. Participants highlighted that Sachal’s 200-year-old message, rejecting labels of caste and creed, is the ultimate antidote to modern polarization. As the festival concluded, it was clear that Sachal’s “Gate of Secrets” remains wide open for those seeking a truth that transcends boundaries.
You May Like To Read: The Vlogger’s Vow of Silence (Broken): The Unraveling of Rajab Butt
Check out our latest video:
