Shrine visiting etiquette in Pakistan follows the same basics as a mosque: dress modestly, women cover their heads, shoes come off, voices stay low, and photographs of people are not taken without asking. Sufi shrines are also busier, more emotional and more informal than most mosques, so expect crowds, music, incense and food being handed round, and take your lead from what those around you do.
Shrines, or darbars, are among the most rewarding places to see in Pakistan, and visitors of any faith are generally welcome to come and watch respectfully. This guide covers what to wear, how to move around, and what to watch out for, including security.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Dress | Shoulders and knees covered; women cover their hair |
| Shoes | Off at the entrance; leave them at the stand |
| Busiest times | Thursday evenings, Fridays, and the annual urs |
| Photography | Restricted in places; never of people praying without asking |
| Security | Expect bag checks and metal detectors at major shrines |
What is a Sufi shrine visit like?
A shrine is the tomb of a Sufi saint, and people come to pray, ask for a blessing, fulfil a vow or simply sit. At the major shrines, such as Data Darbar in Lahore, visitors number in the tens of thousands a day, and more on Thursdays, which are traditionally the nights for visiting shrines, and on religious holidays. The annual urs, marking the saint's death anniversary, can draw a million people to the largest.
The atmosphere varies. A large city shrine is loud and packed, while a small village one may be silent apart from a caretaker and a few worshippers. Some shrines offer free meals, known as langar, to all comers.
What to wear
- Everyone: shoulders and knees covered, in loose, clean clothing.
- Women: a scarf or dupatta over the head, long sleeves and long trousers or a shalwar kameez.
- Men: long trousers and a shirt with sleeves. A cap is common but not required.
A shalwar kameez is the simplest and most comfortable choice, and buying one in Lahore or Islamabad costs little. See our guide to what to wear in Pakistan as a foreign woman for more.
Shoes, entering and moving around
Take your shoes off before you enter, at the stand at the entrance, usually for a small fee or tip. Floors are marble or stone and can be scorching in summer, so wear socks. You may be searched at the gate.
Inside, walk in the same direction as everyone else, don't stop in a doorway or stairwell, and never step over people who are sitting or praying. Keep your voice down, and don't point your feet at the tomb.
Women at shrines
Rules for women vary between shrines and change over time. At some, women may enter the tomb chamber, and at others there is a separate section, or the inner room is closed to them. Don't argue about it: follow the signs and the caretakers, and use the women's area where there is one. If you are unsure, ask a woman worshipper or a caretaker at the gate.
Offerings and food
Devotees often bring rose petals, flowers or a decorated cloth to lay on the tomb, and many give money to donation boxes. You are not expected to do any of it. If you wish to give, use the official donation box rather than handing money to people who approach you inside.
If you are offered sweets, salt or sugar that has been blessed, or a meal from the langar, accept it with your right hand and say thank you. Refusing is seen as unkind, though it is fine to take only a little. Langar food is free, but many visitors leave a donation.
Music, dhamal and trance
Some shrines have devotional music, known as qawwali, and on certain nights dhamal, the drumming and ecstatic dancing associated with Thursday evenings. In recent years it has been less visible in some places following attacks. If you see it, watch quietly from the edge. Don't join in unless you are clearly invited, don't film without asking, and don't treat it as a performance.
Photography
Rules differ at each shrine. Expect restrictions on cameras with large lenses at the major ones, where police may allow phone cameras but not professional equipment, and expect signs banning photographs inside the tomb chamber.
Never photograph people at prayer, women, or anyone in distress, and always ask before taking a portrait. If someone asks you to stop, stop. See our photography rules for Pakistan.
Security and safety
Shrines have been targeted in Pakistan. A double suicide attack on Data Darbar in Lahore on 1 July 2010 killed at least 50 people, and a further blast at the gate on 8 May 2019 killed 12. As a result, the big shrines have police, barriers and bag searches. Cooperate with them and keep your bag small.
Crowds are the everyday risk: keep hold of children, don't take valuables into the crush, and avoid the peak of Thursday night and the urs if you dislike dense crowds. Check local news before you go, and follow any police advice. Visitors travelling on a foreign passport should read their own government's travel advice.
Which shrines to see
Our guides to Sufi shrines in Pakistan, shrines in Lahore and the shrines of Multan will help you choose. For mosques, read our mosque visiting etiquette guide, and for other questions, our FAQs.
Frequently asked questions
Can non-Muslims visit Sufi shrines in Pakistan?
Generally yes, and shrines have long welcomed people of all faiths. Dress modestly, behave respectfully and follow the signs and the caretakers.
Do women have to cover their heads at shrines?
Yes. Bring a scarf or dupatta and wear loose, modest clothing.
Can women enter the tomb at a shrine?
It depends on the shrine. Some allow it, some have a separate women's section and some restrict the inner chamber. Follow the signs and ask a caretaker.
Is it okay to take photos at a shrine?
Photos of the outer courtyard are usually fine, but there are restrictions inside and at major shrines. Never photograph people praying without asking.
When is the best time to visit a shrine?
Mornings and afternoons on weekdays are calmest. Thursday evenings, Fridays and the annual urs are the busiest and the most atmospheric.
Should I give money at a shrine?
You are not obliged to. If you want to give, use the official donation box or the langar donation point.
