The Urs of Baba Farid is held every year in Pakpattan from 1 to 10 Muharram, and the Bahishti Darwaza (the shrine's "Gate of Paradise") opens on the night of 5 Muharram. It is one of the largest Sufi gatherings in Pakistan, with the shrine's Wikipedia entry citing up to two million visitors. In 2026 the 784th Urs began in mid-June and ran for ten days until Muharram 10.
This guide explains when it falls, what happens, and how to visit sensibly if you plan to go. If you only want the shrine outside Urs, see our guide to the Baba Farid shrine in Pakpattan.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Held | 1 to 10 Muharram each year, by the Islamic calendar |
| Bahishti Darwaza | Opens on the night of 5 Muharram |
| 2026 | The 784th Urs; began in mid-June |
| Crowds | Up to about two million visitors, per the shrine's Wikipedia entry |
| Place | Pakpattan, on the right bank of the Sutlej |
When is the Baba Farid Urs?
The Urs follows the Islamic lunar calendar, so it moves about ten to eleven days earlier in the Gregorian calendar each year. It starts with the Muharram moon and runs for ten days. In 2026 it started in mid-June. The next one should begin in early June 2027, but the exact day depends on the moon sighting, so confirm with the Auqaf department or local news closer to the date.
Because Muharram also includes Ashura on the 10th, security and transport are stretched at the same time across Punjab.
What happens during the Urs?
Baba Farid Ganj Shakar was a 13th-century Chishti Sufi whose shrine is in the old town. The Urs marks his death anniversary. In 2026, reporters described ceremonies including the Khatam-e-Khawajgan observance and Sufi music, including a performance by the classical singer Hamid Ali Khan.
The main draw is the Bahishti Darwaza. The shrine's southern door is opened on the night of 5 Muharram, and devotees pass through it, seeking blessings. It is very crowded, and the queue and the crush at the door are the most demanding part of the event.
Crowds and safety at the Bahishti Darwaza
Crowd safety is a real issue. In April 2001, 36 devotees were crushed in a stampede as pilgrims rushed towards the gate at the opening of the festival. Authorities now put queue systems and barriers in place.
For 2026, more than 1,000 police were reported deployed, and officials described medical camps, drinking water points and crowd management plans. That is reassuring, but it does not remove the risk of a dense crowd.
- Do not go with young children, elderly relatives or anyone with a heart or breathing condition.
- If you want to pass through the gate, follow the queue and the volunteers' instructions. Do not push.
- Agree a meeting point with your group in case you are separated, and keep phones charged. Signal can be slow when tens of thousands of people are in one place.
- Leave valuables at home. Carry your CNIC and small cash.
Is it worth going to the Urs?
For someone interested in living Sufi tradition, it is one of the most significant events in the country. It is also crowded, hot in June, and physically demanding.
If you want to see the shrine and the town in comfort, visit outside the Urs and you will see much the same building with far fewer people. Our list of Sufi shrines in Punjab and festivals of Punjab will help you compare.
Getting there and where to stay
Pakpattan is in south Punjab, between Lahore and Multan. We could not verify road distances against an official source, so check a map for your starting point. During the Urs, traffic routes are planned by the district police, and some roads near the shrine are closed to vehicles, so expect to walk the last stretch.
Accommodation in Pakpattan is limited and fills up during the Urs, so many visitors come for the day from a larger town. If you plan to stay, book early, or base yourself in a nearby city and travel in on the day.
Shrine etiquette
- Dress modestly. Women should cover their heads.
- Remove shoes at the entrance.
- Ask before photographing people at prayer.
A note on the 2026 dispute
Reports in June 2026 described a dispute between two members of the Dewan family over the position of shrine custodian (sajjada nasheen), including a police complaint. It did not stop the Urs, but it is a reminder to follow the shrine administration's instructions and check local news before you travel.
For a general look at what else you can do in the country, see our experiences page.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Baba Farid Urs held?
From 1 to 10 Muharram each year. It began in mid-June in 2026 and should fall in early June in 2027, depending on the moon.
When does the Bahishti Darwaza open?
On the night of 5 Muharram.
How many people attend the Baba Farid Urs?
The shrine's Wikipedia entry gives up to two million visitors. No official count is available to us.
Is the Urs safe for families?
The crowds at the Bahishti Darwaza carry real risk, and a stampede killed 36 people in 2001. Families with young children are better off visiting the shrine outside the Urs.
Can foreigners attend the Baba Farid Urs?
Pakpattan is in Punjab, which the UK does not list for all-travel warnings, but visitors on foreign passports should check their own government's advice and expect police attention around a crowd of this size.
