October 1 Public Holiday in Pakistan Reason and District
The Government of Pakistan has declared October 1, 2025 as a local public holiday in Rahim Yar Khan district. This holiday has been announced to honor the annual Urs of Hazrat Khawaja Ghulam Fareed (R.A), one of the most respected Sufi poets and mystics of the region. The notification was issued by Deputy Commissioner Khurram Pervez, who confirmed that all government offices in the district will remain closed on this day.
While the holiday is specific to Rahim Yar Khan, it has special importance because thousands of people from across the country travel to attend the Urs celebrations. These gatherings are not only religious but also cultural, as Khawaja Ghulam Fareed is celebrated for his spiritual poetry, his message of peace, and his role in promoting the Seraiki language. Check Punjab Green Credit Program – Earn 20,000 Money by Planting Trees.
Official Notification of the Holiday
According to the official order, the holiday applies to all government offices within Rahim Yar Khan district. However, the Deputy Commissioner made it clear that this closure will not affect federal institutions, banks, or ongoing board examinations. This means students who are appearing for exams will continue with their schedules, and financial institutions will also remain open to serve the public.
This careful distinction highlights the administration’s effort to balance official work with respect for the religious and cultural traditions of the region. People working in provincial offices will get a day off, while essential services will function as usual.
The Reason Behind the Holiday
The main reason for the holiday is the annual Urs of Hazrat Khawaja Ghulam Fareed (R.A). Urs is a traditional commemoration observed on the death anniversary of a Sufi saint. For devotees, it is not a day of mourning but a spiritual celebration of the saint’s union with the Divine.
Every year, the Urs of Khawaja Ghulam Fareed draws thousands of devotees from different parts of Pakistan. People gather in Rahim Yar Khan and especially in Kot Mithan, where the shrine of the saint is located, to pay their respects. These gatherings include recitations of his poetry, prayers, and spiritual discussions.
The holiday gives people the opportunity to travel and take part in these ceremonies without worrying about their daily official duties.
About Hazrat Khawaja Ghulam Fareed (R.A)
Khawaja Ghulam Fareed was born in Chacharan Sharif in 1845 and spent most of his life in the Seraiki region of southern Punjab. He passed away in 1901, and his shrine is located in Kot Mithan, Rahim Yar Khan.
He was closely associated with the Chishti-Nizami Sufi order, a spiritual path known for its focus on love, tolerance, and service to humanity. Khawaja Fareed’s poetry carries deep spiritual messages and emphasizes human unity, divine love, and peace.
Although he is most famous for his Seraiki poetry, he was a master of many languages, including Arabic, Persian, Urdu, Sindhi, Punjabi, and Braj Bhasha. His verses in different languages gained popularity, but it is his Seraiki works that are most treasured, as they gave the language a unique spiritual identity.
Importance of His Urs
The Urs of Khawaja Ghulam Fareed is not just a local event; it is a national cultural and spiritual festival. Scholars, poets, and devotees gather to celebrate his life and teachings. Cultural organizations also arrange seminars and conferences to highlight his role in literature and Sufism.
For the people of Rahim Yar Khan, the Urs is a proud tradition. It brings recognition to the district and strengthens its identity as the resting place of one of Pakistan’s most revered poets. Local markets, transport services, and guest houses also experience increased activity during this period due to the arrival of visitors.
Why the Holiday Matters
Declaring a holiday on October 1 serves several purposes:
- Respect for Heritage – It shows respect for the spiritual and cultural heritage of the Seraiki region.
- Convenience for Devotees – It makes it easier for thousands of devotees to travel and attend the Urs.
- Community Spirit – It encourages collective participation in cultural and religious gatherings.
- Local Recognition – It brings attention to Rahim Yar Khan district as an important cultural hub.
The Broader Cultural Context
Pakistan has a rich history of Sufi saints and poets whose teachings have shaped society for centuries. From Data Ganj Bakhsh in Lahore to Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai in Sindh, these figures continue to influence communities. Khawaja Ghulam Fareed stands among these great names, and his poetry is considered a spiritual guide for those who seek truth and love.
Observing holidays linked to such personalities is not only about closing offices. It is also about preserving traditions, keeping spiritual teachings alive, and passing them on to the next generation.
The announcement of October 1, 2025, as a public holiday in Rahim Yar Khan is a recognition of the lasting influence of Hazrat Khawaja Ghulam Fareed (R.A). While the holiday is local and limited to government offices in the district, its meaning goes far beyond. It provides space for people to come together, celebrate their cultural identity, and honor a poet whose words continue to inspire love, peace, and faith.
Khawaja Fareed’s Urs is more than an event; it is a symbol of devotion, unity, and respect for Pakistan’s spiritual traditions. With Rahim Yar Khan at the heart of these celebrations, the district once again takes pride in being the guardian of a legacy that belongs to the entire nation.
