Pakpattan: In a fifteen day celebrations of 776th urs of greatest sufi saint of subcontinent Baba Fareed-ud-din Ganj Shakar, the famous Bahishti Darwaza (heavenly door) has been opened by Deewan Modood Masood Chishti Farooqi, the present custodian of the throne at Pakpattan, sub-district of District Sahiwal.
The urs starts on 25th of Zilahaj of every year and ends on 10th of Moharram-ul-Harram. Bahishti Darwaza is opened for public on 5th of Moharram and is closed on 10th of Moharram, which then stays closed for the rest of the year.
Hundreds of devotees were present at this momentous occasion. Modood Masoodi, distributed sweets and special sea shells on this occasion. Special prayers were held for the safety, stability and prosperity of the country.
On first night more than 0.1 million people will pass through the Bahishti Darwaza. Approximately 0.8 million people pass through this famous gate in five nights. More than 2.5 million people from the length and breadth of the country participate in the event, which lasts for 15 days. Devotees believe that by crossing this door, one’s sins are washed away. Others say, it brings good omen for whole year and prayers are accepted while crossing the gate.
The door would be opened by Deewan Modood Masood Chishti Farooqi on 6th of Moharram and on 7th, 8th and 9th of moharram it would be opened by provincial minister for auqaaf, Commissioner Sahiwal and DPO Pakpattan respectively.
On 10th of Mohram ul Harram, the shrine would be given holy bath with rose water and Bahishti darwaza would be closed for one year, however Noori Darwaza would be closed for 40 days. Public holiday is announced on 11th of Moharram ul haram (22 September) by deputy commissioner Nauman Yousaf.
DPO Pakpattan Maria Mahmood, told that strict security arrangements have been made on this occasion for the security of devotees. Over 100 close circuit television cameras (CCTV) have been fixed and connected to a central control room established inside the shrine. Traffic police officials are also on duty to control traffic and transport stations were shifted to Jamal Chowk. Temporary barricades and walls were built on the entrance and exit routes of shrine. Moreover, Army has been put on high alert to ensure peace during the event. Additional police force from nearby districts have also been called upon to cooperate with the local police.
DPO further told that complete arrangements were made for the accommodation of devotees. She assured that visitors, citizens and trade bodies will not face any difficulty and will be provided with regular facilities. She said that strict action would be taken action the negligence of duties on the part of responsible authorities. She added that security plan was designed on the pattern of Standard operating procedures.
DPO also gave briefing about the security arrangements of visitors, processions and religious gathering on behalf of Tehsil Municipal Association, Rescue 1122, health department, WAPDA and Telephone departments.
She said that there would be complete ban on the expose of weapons, wall-chalking, hate speech and unnecessary use of loud speaker during the event. Strict action would be taken against the violation of these regulations, she added. She said cases should be registered under terrorism act on the violation of these rules.
DPO Pakpattan directed the civil authorities to stay vigilant and observe outsiders carefully. She directed the district administration to contact police station immediately, if they found any suspect involve in unusual activities. Members of District peace committee assured the provision of peaceful environment and full cooperation on this occasion.
Published in Daily Times, September 17th 2018.