Luxor prepares for start of Sufi Mawlid season

Luxor Governorate in southern Upper Egypt is preparing for the upcoming Sufi Mawlid season during the blessed month of Sha’ban — just a few weeks away.

The area is home to the largest collection of shrines and mausoleums dedicated to religious leaders and scholars, and the Mawlids celebrating their lives are held annually in Sha’ban.

Ahmed Al-Hajj, head of the Heritage Series at the Egyptian Ministry of Culture, said: “Based on my background and experience working in Luxor, I can say that the annual Sufi Mawlids are unique and highly anticipated rituals for the people of Luxor.

“These events bring together residents and visitors from villages, hamlets, and cities across Luxor Governorate.”

The heritage official added: “The most important Mawlid is the one organized in central Luxor City under the patronage of the Hajjagi family, honoring Sidi Abu Al-Haggag Al-Uqsuri.

“The celebrations take place over several days around the mosque and Abu Al-Haggag Square, coinciding with the night of mid-Sha’ban every year.

“Thousands of people from Luxor Governorate and nearby provinces attend.”

Ahmed Shams Al-Hajjagy, a professor of Western literature and one of the pillars of the Hajjagi family in Luxor, said: “The tradition of celebrating the Mawlid of Sidi Abu Al-Haggag Al-Uqsuri involves gathering at the Abu Al-Haggag Al-Uqsuri Mosque square, and then proceeding to walk around Luxor’s streets.”

Luxor journalist Fadwa Al-Gendi told Arab News: “The second and largest Mawlid in Luxor is that of Sidi Ahmed Ibn Idris — organized in Deir village in Esna city and in the villages of Ziniya city.

“The celebrations are held annually, bringing an atmosphere of joy and happiness, attended by thousands of devotees of Ahl Al-Bayt.

“The people of Deir village in Esna and the villages of Ziniya city in Luxor Governorate organize carnival nights to honor Sidi Ahmed Ibn Idris.”

Fadwa added: “During the Mawlid events in different villages around Luxor for Sidi Ahmed Ibn Idris, devotees from all regions flock to celebrate the Mawlid.

Regarding the third most important Mawlid, Fadwa says: “In central Luxor, specifically in the Karnak area, thousands of residents celebrate the annual Mawlid of the revered Sheikh Moussa Abu Ali.”

Karnak witnesses five days of celebration for Sheikh Moussa Abu Ali’s Mawlid, a yearly tradition that has continued for decades, attended by hundreds from villages and hamlets across Luxor and Upper Egypt governorates.