SHEIKHUPURA, July 23: The 209th urs of Waris Shah, a famous Punjabi poet, begun in Jandiala Sher Khan, 14 kilometres from Sheikhupura, on Monday. District nazim Sahibzada Mian Jalil Ahmed Sharaqpuri with district coordination officer (DCO) Muzaffar Mehmood performed ‘ghusal’ at the shrine. The ceremony was attended by thousands of followers of the saint.

The district nazim attended a Heer recitation programme, a salient feature of the celebrations. Many local poets recited the poetry of Waris Shah. Mr Sharaqpuri also witnessed a kabadi match.

The DCO has announced a local holiday in the district on Tuesday (today) for the urs.