KASUR: Three-day celebrations of the 258th urs of Bulleh Shah concluded here on Sunday.

Despite police claims of foolproof security arrangements, pickpockets remained active while thieves took away gold earrings from at least six women inside the shrine during the three days.

Punjabi poets from across the province participated in a poetry recitation evening (mushaira) organised on the 25th Bulleh Shah Conference that continued till late on Saturday. Poets recited the poetry of Bulleh Shah and paid tributes to the Sufi saint.

Poets also expressed sorrow over the prevailing unrest, poverty and terrorism in the country. Abbas Soz and Kaleem Tajammul urged for promotion of Punjabi language and demanded inclusion of Punjabi literature in school and college syllabi so students could get to know their culture.

Bazme Waris Shah also continued the Heer Waris Shah recitation contest in a graveyard near the shrine. Participants demanded completion of Bulleh Shah complex that was in doldrums for over a decade.

Cultural shows and folk songs were performed on Shahbaz Khan road organised by Sanja Vehra that attracted a large number of people.

Published in Dawn, August 31st, 2015

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