SAHIWAL: Baba Farid Ganjshakar shrine caretaker Dewan Madood Masood Chishti ceremonially unlocked the Bahishti Darwaza (Gate to Paradise) on the night of July 1, marking the commencement of a famous sacred ritual during the ongoing 783rd annual Urs at Pakpattan.

The Bahishti Darwaza will remain open for five consecutive nights -- from Isha to Fajr prayers -- inviting thousands of devotees and dignitaries from across Pakistan to pass through in reverence to Baba Farid, a Punjabi poet and a prominent saint of the Chishtiya order.

Devotees believe that crossing this gate absolves them of sins and brings blessings and prosperity for the year ahead.

The Urs began on Muharram 1 and will conclude on Muharram 10 (July 6).

The ceremonial opening was accompanied by traditional rituals, including the distribution of shakar (raw sugar) by Dewan Sahib and his son, Ahmed Madood Masood Chishti.

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2025