Pakistan Fairs & Festivals 2026 – Sindh Cultural Festivals 2026 Events
Sindh — the land of Sufi melodies, ancient civilizations, and sea breezes — is Pakistan’s cultural heartbeat. Its festivals reflect centuries of spiritual devotion, artistic expression, and adventure. From the shrines of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar to the beaches of Karachi and the deserts of Thar, Sindh offers a kaleidoscope of experiences for travelers in 2026.
🧭 Table of Contents — Sindh Events 2026
- Urs of Gaji Shah – Dadu (January)
- Air Tourism & Paragliding Festival – Sindh Highlands (March 1st–7th)
- Umerkot Grand Festival – Umerkot (March 22nd–24th)
- Urs of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar – Sehwan (April)
- Bike Rally & Cycling Race at Sea View – Karachi (May 15th)
- Sadhu Bela Boat Festival – Sukkur (June 17th–19th)
- Urs of Abdul Latif Bhitai – Hyderabad (October)
- Urs of Nain Sharif – Dadu (TBC)
- Rani Kot Fort Festival – Jamshoro (December/January)
- Keenjhar Festival – Thatta & Karachi (December 24th–26th)
🕌 1. Urs of Gaji Shah – Dadu (January)
The Urs of Gaji Shah is one of Sindh’s most spiritually charged Sufi gatherings. Held annually in Dadu, this festival honors the 13th-century saint known for his teachings on divine love and unity. Devotees arrive from across Pakistan to participate in qawwali, dhamaal, and devotional poetry sessions.
Highlights: Sufi music, folk dancing, charity meals, and handicraft stalls.
Hidden Gem: Visit the nearby Gorakh Hill for sunrise views over Sindh’s mountains.
Local Tip: Arrive early morning to avoid crowds and bring a scarf for shrine etiquette.
Tickets/Fees: Free entry.
Official Info: Tourism Sindh Govt
🧿 FAQ — Urs of Gaji Shah
Q: When is the best time to visit Dadu for the Urs of Gaji Shah?
A: Plan for mid-January when devotional performances peak and accommodations are easier to find.
🪂 2. Air Tourism & Paragliding Festival – Sindh Highlands (March 1st–7th)
This unique adventure festival takes place at Nooriabad, Gorakh Hills, and Rani Kot areas, attracting paragliders from Pakistan and abroad. It’s a blend of adventure and sightseeing, showcasing Sindh’s untapped mountain terrain.
Highlights: Paragliding shows, skydiving demonstrations, and cultural evenings.
Hidden Gem: Rani Kot (“The Great Wall of Sindh”) visible from flight routes.
Local Tip: Book paragliding slots through Sindh Tourism Dept website two weeks in advance.
Tickets/Fees: PKR 1000–1500 for entry.
Official Info: Sindh Tourism Events 2026
🧿 FAQ — Air Tourism & Paragliding Festival
Q: Is paragliding experience required to participate?
A: Beginners can fly tandem with certified instructors under safety supervision.
🎪 3. Umerkot Grand Festival – Umerkot (March 22nd–24th)
A fusion of music, dance, and heritage, the Umerkot Grand Festival celebrates the multicultural identity of Sindh. You’ll find camel decorating contests, folk dance performances, and a special cultural parade honoring Umerkot Fort.
Highlights: Folk music, Sindhi Ajrak market, and cultural floats.
Hidden Gem: Sunset photography at Umerkot Fort walls.
Local Tip: Stay at PTDC Motel Umerkot for easy access.
Tickets/Fees: Entry free; camel ride PKR 200.
Official Info: Sindh Culture Dept
🧿 FAQ — Umerkot Grand Festival
Q: What are the festival’s main attractions?
A: Camel races, Ajrak exhibitions, and Sindhi folk concerts take center stage each night.
4. Urs of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar – Sehwan (April)
A pilgrimage of rhythm and devotion, the Urs of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar in Sehwan is Sindh’s most iconic Sufi celebration. Pilgrims from across Pakistan arrive to dance the dhamaal — a trance-like expression of spiritual freedom.
Highlights: Dhamaal dance, qawwali marathons, and 24-hour langar services.
Hidden Gem: Visit Manchar Lake nearby for a serene escape post-celebrations.
Local Tip: Women travelers should visit during daytime hours for comfort.
Tickets/Fees: Free entry.
🧿 FAQ — Lal Shahbaz Qalandar Urs
Q: How many days does the Urs last?
A: The Urs spans three days, peaking with dhamaal and qawwali on the final night.
🚴 5. Bike Rally & Cycling Race – Sea View Karachi (May 15th)
Every May, Karachi’s coastline transforms into a dynamic arena for cyclists and bikers from across the region. The event promotes eco-tourism and fitness while showcasing the city’s youthful energy.
Highlights: Professional and amateur races, music shows, and food trucks.
Hidden Gem: Clifton viewpoint offers stunning dawn views of the Arabian Sea.
Local Tip: Register early; cycling slots fill fast.
Tickets/Fees: PKR 500.
External Link: Karachi Events Portal
🧿 FAQ — Sea View Bike Rally
Q: Can tourists participate?
A: Yes, international participants can register online with local sponsorship.
6. Sadhu Bela Boat Festival – Sukkur (June 17th–19th)
The Sadhu Bela Boat Festival lights up the Indus River with its iconic floating celebrations around the island shrine of Sadhu Bela in Sukkur. Pilgrims, devotees, and tourists gather to enjoy the sight of decorated boats, river chants, and Sindhi folk songs echoing across the water. It’s a celebration of faith, harmony, and Sindh’s deep river culture.
Highlights: Morning boat processions, Sufi qawwali performances on floating stages, local craft markets, and open-air community feasts (langar).
Hidden gem: Take a stroll along the Indus’ eastern bank at sunrise — you’ll witness fishermen performing small water-offering rituals.
Local tip: Use officially registered festival boats that include guides and safety gear; avoid informal local launches.
Tickets / Fees: Free festival entry; organized boat transfers cost PKR 300–800 depending on launch point.
Official info: Sindh Tourism – Sadhu Bela Festival
7. Urs of Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai – Bhit Shah, Hyderabad (October)
The Urs of Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai in Bhit Shah honors Sindh’s greatest poet and Sufi saint. Every October, devotees gather at his shrine to celebrate poetry, music, and devotion that defines Sindhi identity. The air fills with the rhythm of tamburas and the recitation of Shah Jo Risalo, Bhitai’s spiritual masterpiece.
Highlights: Daily poetry recitations, Sufi musical gatherings, cultural exhibitions, and handicraft bazaars.
Hidden gem: Visit the shrine’s small museum housing early manuscripts and folk music archives — a quiet treasure for cultural explorers.
Local tip: Bring a printed copy of Bhitai’s verses; sharing a verse is a touching gesture appreciated by locals.
Tickets / Fees: Free entry; voluntary donations to the shrine are accepted.
Official info: Culture & Tourism Department Sindh
8. Urs of Nain Sharif – Dadu (TBC)
The Urs of Nain Sharif is a deeply spiritual yet lesser-known celebration in the Dadu district, centered on a revered local saint. The festival is intimate — featuring soulful qawwali sessions, candlelight vigils, and communal cooking that brings entire villages together in gratitude and peace.
Highlights: Candlelit rituals, devotional singing circles, local food stalls, and storytelling sessions about the saint’s life.
Hidden gem: Speak with the shrine’s caretakers; they can show you ancient inscriptions and relics preserved for generations.
Local tip: Confirm dates locally, as the Urs follows the lunar calendar and can shift annually.
Tickets / Fees: Free participation; donations appreciated.
Official info: Dadu District Tourism Office
9. Rani Kot Fort Festival – Jamshoro (December / January)
Set against the majestic backdrop of the “Great Wall of Sindh,” the Rani Kot Fort Festival celebrates Sindh’s ancient architecture and living traditions. It’s a spectacular event combining archaeology, cultural music, and outdoor adventure, attracting both photographers and history lovers.
Highlights: Guided heritage hikes, traditional Sindhi music performances, light shows projected on fort walls, and photography competitions.
Hidden gem: Early morning climbs to the western ramparts reveal breathtaking panoramas and near-total silence — ideal for photographers.
Local tip: Wear hiking shoes and carry water; Rani Kot’s vastness demands light gear and good stamina.
Tickets / Fees: Heritage trail access PKR 500–1500; light show tickets extra.
Official info: Jamshoro District Heritage Events
10. Keenjhar Festival – Thatta & Karachi (December 24th–26th)
Keenjhar Lake, also known as Kalri, comes alive each December with a lakeside celebration of nature, culture, and conservation. Families enjoy boat parades, live music, and eco-camping by the water. The festival is a symbol of Sindh’s balance between tradition and nature.
Highlights: Boat parades, bird-watching tours, folk performances, and lakeside dining.
Hidden gem: Visit the smaller islets for migratory birds — especially early in the morning when the mist dances over the water.
Local tip: Book eco-camps early; the lake area fills quickly during festival weekends. Carry insect repellent and warm layers for cool nights.
Tickets / Fees: Free general entry; guided boat tours PKR 200–800.
Official info: Sindh Wildlife & Fisheries Department
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11. Bhambore Cultural Heritage Fair – Bhambore (January 18th–20th)
The Bhambore Cultural Heritage Fair celebrates the legacy of the ancient port city once linked with the legend of Sassui and Punhun. This annual event brings together archaeologists, folk dancers, and local artisans to highlight Sindh’s maritime and romantic folklore traditions. The festival also includes open-air craft bazaars and guided heritage tours of the Bhambore ruins.
Highlights: Sindhi embroidery workshops, live storytelling sessions of Sassui-Punhun, archaeological displays, and local boat rides on the old Indus delta.
Hidden gem: At sunset, visit the ancient stupa mound; the panoramic view over Bhambore’s coastline is breathtaking.
Local tip: Wear a hat and bring sunscreen — the ruins are open fields with minimal shade.
Tickets / Fees: Entry PKR 200; heritage tour with guide PKR 500.
Official info: Sindh Culture & Antiquities Department
FAQ — Bhambore Cultural Heritage Fair
Q: Can visitors participate in traditional dance performances?
A: Yes, cultural troupes often invite tourists to join group dances in the evening programs.
12. Makli Urs & Heritage Walk – Thatta (February 12th–15th)
The Makli Urs commemorates the Sufi saints of the UNESCO-listed Makli Necropolis, one of the largest graveyards in the world. The festival blends spirituality with architectural wonder, as thousands gather for prayers, heritage walks, and art exhibitions around centuries-old tombs. Evening lights transform the sandstone domes into a mystical spectacle.
Highlights: Guided heritage walks, traditional qawwali nights, calligraphy workshops, and Sufi lectures.
Hidden gem: Visit early morning when fog drifts across the tombs — an ideal time for photography.
Local tip: Hire a certified guide at the entrance; they can point out hidden tomb inscriptions often missed by casual visitors.
Tickets / Fees: Entry PKR 300; night qawwali event PKR 1000 (includes seating).
Official info: UNESCO Makli Heritage & Sindh Tourism
FAQ — Makli Urs & Heritage Walk
Q: Are professional cameras allowed during the night events?
A: Yes, but tripod use may require prior permission from site management.
13. Karachi Literature & Arts Festival – Karachi (February 23rd–25th)
Karachi’s Literature and Arts Festival celebrates creativity and dialogue, featuring authors, artists, and musicians from across Pakistan and abroad. It’s an intellectual highlight of Sindh’s cultural calendar, attracting thinkers and students eager to explore literature, heritage, and visual arts.
Highlights: Book readings, art exhibitions, panel discussions, film screenings, and open-mic poetry sessions.
Hidden gem: Visit the “Emerging Authors Pavilion” — a platform for young writers and bloggers to showcase new work.
Local tip: Bring a notebook or sketchpad; spontaneous workshops are often announced during the day.
Tickets / Fees: Free entry; limited-seating workshops require advance registration.
Official info: Karachi Literature Festival Official
FAQ — Karachi Literature & Arts Festival
Q: Is there a dress code for attending sessions?
A: Smart casual attire is fine; modest clothing is recommended for public sessions and media areas.
14. Sujawal Fishing & Boat Racing Fair – Sujawal (August 4th–6th)
Held along Sindh’s deltaic coast, the Sujawal Fishing & Boat Racing Fair is a vibrant mix of competition, culture, and coastal life. Local fishermen decorate their boats with flags and motifs, racing along narrow estuaries while crowds cheer from the banks. The event promotes sustainable fishing and revives ancient river customs.
Highlights: Boat races, seafood tasting stalls, net-weaving demonstrations, and live drumming performances.
Hidden gem: At dawn, join local fishermen to watch them recite ancient blessings before launching their boats.
Local tip: Arrive early — the best viewing spots fill by 8 a.m. Bring a hat, camera, and mosquito repellent.
Tickets / Fees: Free entry; boat rides PKR 400–600.
Official info: Sindh Coastal Development Authority
FAQ — Sujawal Fishing & Boat Racing Fair
Q: Are tourists allowed to ride in race boats?
A: No, but visitors can book short recreational boat tours beside the race area.
15. Jhimpir Wind & Eco-Fair – Thatta (September 16th–18th)
The Jhimpir Wind & Eco-Fair is one of Sindh’s newest sustainability-themed festivals, celebrating renewable energy and rural innovation. Hosted near the wind corridor of Jhimpir, the fair includes eco-stalls, music nights, and guided visits to nearby wind farms. It’s an inspiring fusion of science, culture, and rural entrepreneurship.
Highlights: Eco-workshops, folk concerts powered by wind energy, student innovation booths, and rural women’s crafts.
Hidden gem: Visit the nearby Noori Jam Tamachi shrine at night — the lake view with turbine lights creates a surreal scene.
Local tip: Carry a scarf or light jacket; winds can be strong in open areas.
Tickets / Fees: Entry PKR 300; guided wind farm tour PKR 1000.
Official info: Alternative Energy Development Board Pakistan
FAQ — Jhimpir Wind & Eco-Fair
Q: Can visitors camp near the festival site?
A: Yes, eco-camps are available; advance booking is recommended as spots are limited.
1. Urs of Gaji Shah – Dadu (January)
Q1: What is the Urs of Gaji Shah?
A: It is the annual commemoration of Sufi saint Gaji Shah, featuring devotional music, prayers, and cultural gatherings in Dadu.
Q2: When is the best time to attend?
A: January, during the main Urs dates; mornings for ceremonies and evenings for traditional Sufi music.
2. Air Tourism & Paragliding Festival – Sindh Highlands (March 1st–7th)
Q1: Who can participate in paragliding?
A: Both beginners with certified instructors and experienced pilots can participate.
Q2: Where is the festival located?
A: In the scenic Sindh Highlands near the Kirthar Mountains, accessible from Karachi or Hyderabad.
3. Umerkot Grand Festival – Umerkot (March 22nd–24th)
Q1: What happens at the Umerkot Grand Festival?
A: It showcases folk dances, music performances, local crafts, and vibrant cultural activities.
Q2: How can tourists reach Umerkot?
A: By road from Karachi or Hyderabad; buses and private cars are common.
4. Urs of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar – Sehwan (April)
Q1: Why is the Urs of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar famous?
A: It celebrates the Sufi saint with qawwali, dhamaal rituals, and draws thousands of devotees.
Q2: What should visitors wear?
A: Modest clothing; comfortable attire is recommended for the spiritual ceremonies.
5. Bike Rally & Cycling Race at Sea View – Karachi (May 15th)
Q1: Who can join the bike rally?
A: Cyclists and motorbike enthusiasts of all skill levels; registration may be required.
Q2: Are spectators welcome?
A: Yes, the event is open to the public, offering vibrant festival vibes along Sea View.
6. Sadhu Bela Boat Festival – Sukkur (June 17th–19th)
Q1: What is the Sadhu Bela Boat Festival?
A: A riverside cultural festival featuring boat rides, traditional music, and local food.
Q2: How do visitors access Sadhu Bela?
A: By boat or road from Sukkur city; parking and local guides are available.
7. Urs of Abdul Latif Bhitai – Hyderabad (October)
Q1: What is celebrated at the Urs of Abdul Latif Bhitai?
A: The life and poetry of Sindhi Sufi saint Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai with music and prayers.
Q2: Is it family-friendly?
A: Yes, visitors of all ages can attend; spiritual and cultural activities are suitable for families.
8. Urs of Nain Sharif – Dadu (TBC)
Q1: What is the Urs of Nain Sharif?
A: It is the annual commemoration of Sufi saint Nain Sharif with prayers and devotional gatherings.
Q2: When is the event held?
A: The exact date is to be confirmed (TBC); usually aligned with the saint’s death anniversary.
9. Rani Kot Fort Festival – Jamshoro (December/January)
Q1: What activities happen at Rani Kot Fort Festival?
A: Heritage walks, photography, traditional music, and local crafts exhibitions.
Q2: How can travelers reach Rani Kot Fort?
A: By road from Hyderabad or Karachi; guided tours are recommended for first-time visitors.
10. Keenjhar Festival – Thatta & Karachi (December 24th–26th)
Q1: What is the Keenjhar Festival about?
A: A lakeside celebration with boat rides, music, food stalls, and family-friendly activities.
Q2: When is the best time to visit?
A: December 24–26, during the festival dates; mornings are ideal for photography and boating.
