The three-day celebrations of the 261st urs of Punjabi Sufi poet Syed Abdullah Shah Qadri popularly known as Baba Bulleh Shah began in Kasur on Sunday. Reportedly, the Kasur district administration has announced a local holiday on Monday to observe the celebrations. In this regard, Kasur District Police Officer (DPO) Syed Muntazir Mehdi claimed that foolproof security measures have been taken, and a special committee has been constituted to ensure provision of quality food (called Langar in shrines) which would be served from August 26 to 28. The washing ritual (ghusal) of the shrine with rose water has been performed on Sunday night with recitation of Holy Quran. Besides, floral wreaths were also laid on the grave of Baba Bulleh Shah while a Punjabi poetry and Qawwali programme was also organised to pay the Sufi poet a special tribute. Unfortunately, children and women have been barred by the district administration to take part in magic shows, swings, rides and other recreational activities in account of security risks, according to deputy commissioner Rana Muhammad Arshad. Published in Daily Times, August 27th 2018.