Urs of Baba Farid Shakar Ganj

Urs of Baba Farid Shakar Ganj

Fifth, sixth, and seventh days of the Islamic month of MuharramUrs of Baba Farid Shakar Ganj is marked every year to commemorate the death anniversary of the great Punjabi poet and Sufi Muslim saint, Baba Farid Shakar Ganj, born in 1188 c.e. He is known as the first Punjabi saint and the father of Punjabi culture. On his death anniversary, pilgrims from around the world visit his shrine-like tomb, or mazar, in Pakpattan, Pakistan. On this occasion, Bahashti Darwaza (Paradise Door), made of silver and overlaid with gold flowers, is opened to allow thousands of devotees to pass through over the course of the three-day occasion. The anniversary also is marked with folk music and ecstatic dancing by the faithful. This commemoration has taken place every year for more than 750 years.
CONTACTS:
Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation
22-A
Saeed Plaza, Blue Area
Jinnah Ave.
Islamabad, 44000 Pakistan
SOURCES:
UndIslam-2004, p. 392