At least 10 pilgrims died today in Pakistan due to suffocation and scorching heat during the annual Urs celebrations of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, a famous fourteenth century sufi shrine in Sindh.
Ten pilgrims died of suffocation due to heat stroke and shortage of drinking water, rescue officials said.
The annual Urs celebrations in small town of Sehwan in Jamshoro district of Sindh province is attended by over half million devotees every year, who come from all parts of Pakistan.
The devotees had to face a severe heat wave today as temperature in Sehwan touched 44 degrees Celsius, Geo News reported.
The Urs festival is celebrated to pay homage to the famous Sufi saint -- Sayed Muhammad Usman Marwandi (1177-1274), also known as Lal Shahbaz Qalandar.
His 763rd Urs celebrations began this morning and will continue till Monday.
