Sehwan happens to be among the ancient metropolises of Sindh province. People from interior Sindh show high respect towards the town because of having the final abode of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar – the great saint, scholar, and mystic poet.
According to the most beliefs, Sehwan derives its name from the words Seevistan or Siwistan. These words were originally the names of Raja Dahir’s kingdom extending to the province of Punjab with the title of Shivi.
Sehwan also received enough significance when Muhammad Bin Qasim conquered Sindh in 711 as well as when Mahmud Ghaznavi took control over the region in the 19th century. The city also saw the attacks of the Mughal emperors, such as Humayun and Akbar.
Getting In
Sehwan is accessible via road, train, and plane. The air route, however, is open during the annual Urs festivals or death anniversary of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar. Pakistan International Airplanes operate its national carriers for regular flights between Sehwan and Karachi every year for the three days of the Urs.
Apart from this, The Sehwan Railway Station acts as a railway junction where different trains like the Bolan Mail, the Khushal Khan Khattak Express runs between Pakistani cities, such as Karachi, Peshwar, and Quetta. Moreover, private cars, rented vehicles, taxis, vans, and buses hail at the National Highway N-55 route to reach Sehwan.
Getting Around
You can drive your private vehicle to roam around the city of Sehwan Sharif. When it comes to public transports, shared motorcycle rickshaws are commonly available around the city. They serve as the only way to go from one part to another when you do not have your private car.
The best thing about this mode of commuting is that they are extraordinarily cheap and cost you merely Rs.20 from Railway station or N-55 bus stop to Shahi Bazaar or the shrine. If you do not want to share the rickshaw, pay Rs.100 to book it for yourself only or to travel with your family.
See
The beautiful tomb of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar is the center of attraction in Sehwan Sharif, which attracts thousands of devotees from across the country. The shrine remains exceptionally populated by Muslims and Hindus during the annual festival of the saint. You will find many wonders in this single building, such as the 100 square-yard of the inner sanctum and a silver-canopied gave in the middle. The marble floor has a 12-inch high row with folding wooden stands. Devotees perform dhamal, a unique dance every Thursday. Individuals ecstatically swirl their heads and bodies on the rhythm of a big barrel-shaped drum called naqqara.
Shopping
The Shahi Bazaar, located on a long lane, has plenty of shops in houses. It is the only marketplace in the town and tends to be the right place to buy traditional Sindhi handicrafts and souvenirs. This antique bazaar is reminiscent of conservative local bazaars of the region and worth exploring. The city also has a small market outside the saint’s tomb, which remains open 24 hours. You can buy dry fruits, garlands, and sweet candies from there for your family.