Waris Shah gallery opened

Lahore

A heritage and cultural gallery dedicated to Punjabi Sufi poet Waris Shah has been established at his birthplace, Jandiala Sher Khan.

Syed Waris Shah was born in 1722 in Jandiala Sher Khan, Sheikhupura. The gallery established in the Jandiala Sher Khan Fort uses the building of an old library.

The two rooms and a hall feature around 20 photographs depicting the historical heritage of Sheikhupura and 15 highlighting cultural elements described in Heer Waris Shah.

A large portrait of Waris Shah has been placed in the central hall along with a screen, where the Auqaf department will show documentaries about Sheikhupura, Waris Shah and his epic Heer.

The gallery also displays replicas and artefacts associated with objects mentioned in the Heer, including a tawa, pitcher, weighing scale, bow and changair, besides other items representing the culture of Sheikhupura.

Material relating to the poet's family lineage, coins and clothing from his era has also been displayed. The characters and events of Heer have been presented through photographs, while traditional tools, spinning wheels and the huqqa culture of Punjab are also part of the exhibition.