Spiritual journey: Devotees throng Baba Farid’s shrine

Imran Khan among visitors as 774th Urs celebrations continue

SAHIWAL: The 774th Urs of Baba Fariduddin Ganj Shakar is underway in Pakpattan with traditional zeal and fervour with thousands of devotees thronging the shrine of the 11th century saint in Sahiwal. The annual event began on Zilhaj 25 and will end on Muharram 10.

The initial traditional rituals were performed by the custodian of the throne of Baba Farid, Modood Masood Chishti Farooqi late Friday night where PTI Chairman Imran Khan was also present.

Special prayers were also held for the safety, stability and prosperity of country. Masood distributed traditional relics and meals among the devotees, who have arrived from various parts of the country.

Most of the people visit the shrine to pass through famous Bahishti Darwaza, which opens on Muharram 5 every year. On the first night more than 100,000 people passed through the door, which would close on Muharram 10 after Fajr prayers for one year. According to an estimate, approximately 80,000 people pass through this famous gate in five nights.

A stringent security plan is in place at the shrine with closed-circuit cameras monitoring the whole city. A control room has been set up at the shrine to monitor the surroundings.

Temporary barricades and walls have been built on the entrance and exits of the mausoleum.

Pakpattan DPO Kamran Yousuf Malik said foolproof measures have been taken under the National Action Plan to ensure peace at the shrine. He added that devotees, citizens and traders will not face any difficulties and will be provided with all facilities.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 9^th, 2016.