Tomb of Shah Jamal
The Tomb of Shah Jamal is the tomb of Sufi Saint Baba Shah Jamal. It is located in the city of Lahore - the capital of Punjab, Pakistan. There is a masjid built around the tomb which incorporates a graveyard.
At the foot of the stairs leading up to the tomb, there is a regular gathering of pilgrims, who come every Thursday night and Friday morning, following a tradition that has been going on for hundreds of years. Dhol is played with devotees (dervish or fakir) dancing in a trance also known as dhamaal. The famous Pappu Sain is the central attraction performs on the dhol.
This performance, every Thursday night/ Friday morning, is attended by people from all walks of life - students, government officials, musicians both domestic and international, models, common folk - in short everyone. The environment is very friendly and safe. It is encouraged that people wear simple and plain clothes and come well covered in respect for the shrine. Many a times Pappu Sain has stopped his performance angry at the fact that people have forgotten the reason for coming to the shrine.
The tomb is more than a simple shrine, providing shelter, food and solace from the vagaries of everyday life.
External links
- Pappu Saeen beats the drum for Shah Jamal, Daily Times (May 3, 2006)
- Devotees whirl to dhol at Baba Jamal’s Urs, Khaleej Times (May 5, 2006).
- Gonga Saeen & Mithu Saeen beats the drum for Baba Shah Jamal, Photo by Yasuo Osakabe, Photographer, Yasuo Oaskabe