The Shah Rukn-e-Alam urs is held at the saint's tomb in Multan in the Islamic month of Jumada al-Awwal, around the 7th, the date of his death in 735 AH (1335 CE) according to the Punjab Auqaf department. Jumada al-Awwal 2026 is expected to begin around 12 October, depending on the moon, so the urs should fall in the second half of October. Reported programmes have run for three days, for example 10 to 12 December in 2021.
This post covers the dates, what the three days include, how to cope with the crowds and when to visit if you would rather see the building in peace. For the architecture and history of the tomb itself, see our Shah Rukn-e-Alam tomb guide.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Saint | Shah Rukn-e-Alam (Sheikh Rukn-ud-Din), Suhrawardiya order; born 1251, died 1335 |
| Urs month | Jumada al-Awwal; death date 7 Jumada al-Awwal 735 AH |
| 2026 | Jumada al-Awwal expected from about 12 October (moon-dependent) |
| Length | Three days in the reports we found |
| Crowds | Officials have put attendance at over 100,000, mostly from Sindh and southern Punjab |
| Tomb | Multan Fort mound; 35 m tall; built 1320 to 1324 |
When is the urs of Shah Rukn-e-Alam?
The Auqaf department records his death as Friday 7 Jumada al-Awwal 735 AH, and the urs follows that date. Because the Islamic year is about 11 days shorter than the solar year, the Gregorian dates move earlier every year. A calendar site gives 12 October to 11 November 2026 for the month, which would put the 7th around the 18th or 19th of October, but the start depends on moon sighting in Pakistan.
Do not plan to the day. Ask the Multan Auqaf office or follow local news in the week before. The 2021 urs, which a Deputy Commissioner outlined to The News, ran from 10 to 12 December.
Who was Shah Rukn-e-Alam?
Sheikh Rukn-ud-Din, known as Shah Rukn-e-Alam, was a Sufi of the Suhrawardiya order from Multan. According to the Auqaf department he was the grandson and successor of Bahauddin Zakariya. The tomb was built between 1320 and 1324 by Ghiyath al-Din Tughluq, then handed to the saint's descendants in 1330. It is on Pakistan's tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage. Our Bahauddin Zakariya shrine guide covers the grandfather's shrine, which is a short walk away on the same mound.
What happens during the urs?
Reports describe a familiar pattern for large Punjabi urs events:
- Opening day: a ceremonial opening at the tomb, in one report with rose water poured on the grave by a visiting minister.
- Programme: Quran recitation, prayers, devotional gatherings and, on the third day, a conference, according to Bol News.
- Close: concluding prayers.
We could not find a verified route or timetable for any procession, so we do not describe one. If you want to see a specific ritual, ask the Auqaf office for the programme.
Officials in 2021 promised hospitality for visitors, security and traffic management, and coordination of special trains and inter-city transport. Expect police checkpoints and diversions near the fort.
How crowded does it get?
Bol News reported that officials expect more than 100,000 devotees, mostly from Sindh and the southern districts of Punjab. That is a big crowd on a small mound in the old city. Expect traffic diversions and difficult parking near the fort.
A few habits help.
- Use a rickshaw or taxi and walk the last stretch. Leave your car at your hotel.
- Go early on a weekday. The quietest hours are first thing in the morning.
- Carry little. Phones and wallets are the usual losses in dense crowds.
- Travel as a group. Agree a meeting point.
- Dress modestly, cover your head and remove shoes at the entrance.
October daytime temperatures in Multan are far easier than in summer, but the crowd itself is tiring. Our best time to visit Multan page covers the season.
Is it better to visit outside the urs?
For most travellers, yes. The tomb is best seen when you can stand back and look at the octagon, the tilework and the dome. During the urs the tomb is packed with pilgrims.
The urs is the right choice if you want to see living devotion, and are comfortable in a dense crowd. It is not ideal for small children, elderly relatives or anyone wanting photographs of the architecture. Our experiences page lists other cultural events, and the shrines of Multan guide covers the other tombs.
Is it safe?
Multan is not named in the UK government's Pakistan travel advice. Crowds at religious events are still a risk, and security is usually heavier at the time. Follow police instructions, avoid bringing large bags and check local news before you set out.
Frequently asked questions
When is the urs of Shah Rukn-e-Alam?
Around the 7th of Jumada al-Awwal. In 2026 that month is expected to begin about 12 October, so the urs should fall in the second half of that month.
How long does the urs last?
Three days in the reports we found, with the main day at the death anniversary.
Where is the shrine?
In Multan, on the Multan Fort mound, at the north-western edge of the fort.
How many people attend the urs?
Officials have said over 100,000 devotees, mostly from Sindh and southern Punjab.
Can foreigners attend?
Multan is not on the UK's list of areas to avoid, but check your own government's advice first, dress modestly and follow the caretakers.
