KASUR: Three-day celebrations of the 265th Urs of Sufi poet Hazrat Baba Bulleh Shah is set to begin here on Friday (today).

The Punjab Auqaf Department higher-ups, district administration and members of the religious affairs committee will give a ceremonial bath to the shrine. It will be followed by other devotional activities and a prayer.

Deputy Commissioner Fiaz Ahmed Mohal has announced public holiday on Saturday. The district administration issued a notification on Thursday.

The notification, however, said officials performing their duties regarding flood arrangements, polio and Covid vaccination would continue to work as usual.

The deputy commissioner also visited the shrine on Thursday and reviewed the arrangements.

A large number of people from across the country and abroad visit the shrine every year.

Police claim to have made foolproof security arrangements on the eve of Urs.

District Police Officer Sohaib Ahmed issued a press release which said 1,200 police officials would perform duty in and around the shrine in three shifts. Besides, 120 CCTV cameras will keep a vigilant eye on the suspected elements.

Devotees have already started arriving here on Thursday. Stalls for sweets and delicacies have been set up.

The district administration has not allowed recreational activities due to security concerns.

Published in Dawn, August 26th, 2022