Local holiday to mark Channan Pir Mela.

BAHAWALPUR -- The fifth week's festivities at the over-century-old Mela Channan Pir remained in full bloom on Thursday in the Cholistan desert near Yazman.

The mela usually continues for seven weeks, but this year, due to the fall of Ramazan next week, the mela will conclude in five weeks.

Deputy Commissioner Zaheer Anwar Jappa declared Thursday a local holiday to celebrate the mela.

The mela was participated in by thousands of devotees.

The festivities would come to an end with morning prayers on...