Villagers mount tractor trolleys, busses, and rickshaws to travel to the yearly celebrations at Sufi shrines spread around the nation as the harvest season comes to a conclusion and schools let out for the summer.
At the yearly “mela” in honor of saint Shah Jiwana in Jhang in May, Muhammad Nawaz, a farmer from Punjab, remarked, “Those who cannot meet during the rest of the year reunite at the fair.”
There is a strong bond of love and camaraderie between the culture of Punjab and these fairs.
Lanterns of all colors illuminate the pilgrims as they are delighted by fairground performers, traditional wrestlers, motorbike acrobats, and musicians—always under careful observation.
Millions of people follow centuries-old Sufi organizations throughout the Islamic world, from South Asia to Turkey, and its core values include mysticism and saint veneration.
While many orthodox hardliners view Sufi teachings as heretical, banned militant organizations like the Islamic State and Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan have carried out deadly attacks at shrines and festivals.
Up until recently, the attacks in Pakistan caused the government to restrict or outlaw festivals.
