When is the Annual Urs of Baba Farid? Complete Guide to Dates & Celebrations
When Is the Annual Urs of Baba Farid? Complete Guide
The annual Urs (death anniversary) of Hazrat Baba Fariduddin Masood Ganj Shakar is one of the largest religious gatherings in Pakistan, attracting hundreds of thousands of devotees from across the country and abroad.
Urs Dates According to the Islamic Calendar
The Urs of Baba Farid is observed each year from the 25th of Zilhaj to the 10th of Muharram. The celebrations last for approximately 15 days.
The main rituals and the opening of the Bahishti Darwaza occur between the 5th and 10th of Muharram. The Bahishti Darwaza (Gate of Paradise) is ceremonially unlocked on the night of Muharram 5 after Isha prayers and remains open for five consecutive nights until Muharram 10.
Recent Urs Years
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2025: The 783rd Urs began on Muharram 1 (approximately June 22, 2025) and concluded on Muharram 10 (July 6, 2025).
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2026: The 784th Urs began on June 17, 2026, with the Bahishti Darwaza opening on June 22, 2026 (Muharram 5).
Please note that Islamic dates shift approximately 10–11 days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar. Always verify the exact dates closer to the event.
What Happens During the Urs?
The Urs is marked by several important rituals and events:
Opening of Bahishti Darwaza
The most significant ritual is the unlocking of the Bahishti Darwaza (Gate of Paradise), a silver door intricately inlaid with gold leaf. It is opened only once a year during the Urs. Thousands of devotees line up to pass through the gate, as it is believed to wash away sins and bring blessings.
Spiritual Gatherings
The 15-day festival features special prayers, qawwali (devotional music) performances, spiritual ceremonies, and communal gatherings.
Langar
The shrine continues its tradition of serving free meals to all visitors.
Security and Safety
Due to the massive crowds that gather for the Urs, local authorities implement comprehensive security measures. Over 1,000 police personnel are typically deployed across the city and at the shrine. Devotees are advised to follow safety guidelines due to the large crowds.
Administration
The Urs is organized by the shrine's caretaker (Sajada Nasheen) and the Auqaf Department, Government of Punjab.
Guide Information
Eligibility
There are no eligibility requirements to participate in the Urs of Baba Farid. The festival and the shrine are open to all people, regardless of religion, nationality, or background. All devotees, pilgrims, and visitors are welcome.
Required Documents
No documents are required to attend the Urs. International visitors must carry a valid passport with a Pakistani visa for entry into the country. It is advisable to carry a photocopy of your passport and visa for identification purposes.
Fees
Attendance at the Urs is completely free of charge. There is no entry fee for the shrine complex or to pass through the Bahishti Darwaza.
Processing Time
There is no processing time required. Visitors can simply arrive at the shrine during the Urs dates. However, expect long queues and waiting times to pass through the Bahishti Darwaza due to large crowds.
Application Method
There is no application process to attend the Urs.
Validity Period
The Urs is an annual event that takes place over 15 days according to the Islamic calendar. The spir
Step-by-Step Process
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STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO ATTENDING THE URS OF BABA FARID
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Check the Islamic Calendar
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The Urs is observed from 25th Zilhaj to 10th Muharram each year [citation:1]. Islamic dates shift approximately 10-11 days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar. Confirm the exact dates closer to the event.
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Plan Your Travel to Pakpattan
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Pakpattan is accessible by road from Lahore or Multan (3-4 hours each way). Book your travel and accommodation well in advance, as the festival draws hundreds of thousands of visitors.
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Arrive at the Shrine Complex
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Once in Pakpattan, head to Circular Rd, Mohallah Baba Farid. Be prepared for crowds and pedestrian-only routes near the shrine. Authorities often set up entry points 1-1.5 kilometres from the shrine, so you may need to walk [citation:7].
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Follow Shrine Etiquette
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Remove your shoes, cover your head, and maintain a respectful demeanor. Be patient and follow crowd management instructions from authorities.
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Experience the Bahishti Darwaza
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The Bahishti Darwaza opens on the night of Muharram 5 after Isha prayers and remains open until Muharram 10 [citation:10][citation:2]. Join the queue of devotees to pass through the sacred gate.
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Participate in Spiritual Activities
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Attend qawwali sessions, special prayers, and spiritual gatherings. Visit the langar (communal kitchen) for free meals and experience the spirit of community.
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Plan Your Departure
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The Urs concludes on Muharram 10. The Bahishti Darwaza is closed before dawn on this day [citation:1][citation:12]. Plan your return travel accordingly.
Official Information
Contact: PHYSICAL ADDRESS:Circular Rd, Mohallah Baba Farid, Pakpattan, Punjab, PakistanPHONE NUMBER (for general inquiries):+92-308-8827000ADMINISTRATION:The shrine is managed by the Auqaf Department, Government of PunjabSTEP-BY-STEP:STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO ATTENDING THE URS OF BABA FARIDStep 1: Check the Islamic CalendarThe Urs is observed from 25th Zilhaj to 10th Muharram each year [citation:1]. Islamic dates shift approximately 10-11 days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar. Confirm the exact dates closer to the event.Step 2: Plan Your Travel to PakpattanPakpattan is accessible by road from Lahore or Multan (3-4 hours each way). Book your travel and accommodation well in advance, as the festival draws hundreds of thousands of visitors.Step 3: Arrive at the Shrine ComplexOnce in Pakpattan, head to Circular Rd, Mohallah Baba Farid. Be prepared for crowds and pedestrian-only routes near the shrine. Authorities often set up entry points 1-1.5 kilometres from the shrine, so you may need to walk [citation:7].Step 4: Follow Shrine EtiquetteRemove your shoes, cover your head, and maintain a respectful demeanor. Be patient and follow crowd management instructions from authorities.Step 5: Experience the Bahishti DarwazaThe Bahishti Darwaza opens on the night of Muharram 5 after Isha prayers and remains open until Muharram 10 [citation:10][citation:2]. Join the queue of devotees to pass through the sacred gate.Step 6: Participate in Spiritual ActivitiesAttend qawwali sessions, special prayers, and spiritual gatherings. Visit the langar (communal kitchen) for free meals and experience the spirit of community.Step 7: Plan Your DepartureThe Urs concludes on Muharram 10. The Bahishti Darwaza is closed before dawn on this day [citation:1][citation:12]. Plan your return travel accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Urs is observed from 25th Zilhaj to 10th Muharram in the Islamic calendar each year [citation:1].
The Bahishti Darwaza (Gate of Paradise) is the southern door of the mausoleum. It opens only once a year during the Urs, on the night of Muharram 5 after Isha prayers [citation:10][citation:6].
The Urs lasts approximately 15 days, from 25th Zilhaj to 10th Muharram [citation:1][citation:6][citation:8].
It closes before dawn on Muharram 10 [citation:1][citation:12].
Hundreds of thousands of devotees from across Pakistan and abroad attend the Urs annually [citation:4][citation:6][citation:7].
The Urs is held at the Shrine of Baba Farid in Pakpattan, Punjab, Pakistan [citation:1][citation:4][citation:5].
No, attending the Urs and entering the shrine is free of charge.
Thousands of police personnel are deployed, CCTV surveillance is active, and medical camps are set up [citation:5][citation:7][citation:12].
Yes, the Urs is open to everyone regardless of religious background.
The 784th Urs was held in June 2026, beginning on Muharram 1 [citation:5][citation:7].