HYDERABAD: The 773rd urs celebrations of revered Saint Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar was inaugurated in Sehwan by Speaker of the Sindh Assembly Syed Awais Qadir Shah, as acting governor in the absence of Governor Kamran Tessori, on Monday.

He laid a floral wreath on the saint`s grave to mark the start of the celebrations. Sindh Minister Auqaf Syed Riaz Hussain Shah Shirazi, Auqaf Secretary Sibghatullah Mehar, Hyderabad Commissioner Bilal Ahmed Memon, Jamshoro Deputy Commissioner GhazanfarAliQadriandSSPMohammad Zafar Siddique Chhanga were present.

The DC presented a commemorative shield to the acting governor, who distributed clothes and gifts amongdeserving people.

Speaking to journalists, Awais Shah said he sought blessings of the Qalandar by praying for the nation, country and Sindh. He said that Sindh`s progress was crucial for the country`s development.

He praised the arrangements made by the augaf minister and local administration. He expressed the hope that the celebrations would be held and concluded in a peaceful manner.

The acting governor also noted that the number of devotees this year was higher than in the previous event.

About the pressing issues being faced by Sindh, the PA speaker said that the prime minister should convene a meeting of the Council of Common Interests (CCI) within 90 days upon being requisitioned as provided in the Constitution.

He said he intended to write to the National Highway Authority chairmanregarding delayed completion of the Indus Highway. He said that Sindh government was actively raising its voice for public issues at every level.

Riaz Shirazi also inspected security arrangements for devotees. He told journalists that Qalandar`s shrine was a place visited by millions from across Pakistan. He said his department had made all possible efforts to provide best facilities to devotees and visitors.

Music session & Sughar katchehri On sidelines of urs, the culture department has organised folk and mystic music session, sughar katchery and handicrafts exhibition in Sehwan library.

Sindhi handicrafts highlighting culture have been displayed on various stalls. They are also reflective of Sindh`shistory and the Mohenjo Daro civilisation. Various earthen and wooden products, besides embroidery work, have been displayed on the stalls.

Seasoned sughars of Sindh including Ajab Gul Bhatti, Abdul Ghani Jalbani, Abdul Rasheed Marri, Rajab Solangi, Manzoor Seelro, Mir Channa, Idris Jamali, Ghulam Mohammad Sanjrani, Munir Qambrani and others shared their wisdom and knowledge.

Sughar katchery is a traditional and cultural gathering of wise rural people who share their wisdom through poetry and in simple anecdotes. These stories are based on facts and narrated in a simple way for ordinary people to understand. Stalls for books have also also set up to promote book reading habit.

Contests of malakhro a traditional Sindhi wrestling were also held on the first day of the celebrations.