26 August holiday in Lahore
Punjab Government Declares Public Holiday in Lahore for 981st Annual Urs of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh on 26 August 2024
The Punjab government has declared a public holiday in Lahore district on Monday, August 26, 2024, to honor the 981st Annual Urs of the revered Sufi saint, Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA).
This announcement was made official through a notification issued by the Services and General Administration Department (Welfare Wing) on Tuesday. According to the notification, the holiday will apply to all government offices within the Lahore district. However, this holiday does not extend to the Punjab Civil Secretariat, its attached departments, and regional offices, which will remain operational as usual.
The 981st Urs celebrations of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh Ali Hajveri (RA) will span three days, from August 24 to August 26, 2024. These celebrations will be a significant event, drawing thousands of devotees from across the region to pay their respects at his shrine.
The Auqaf Department has been allocated a budget of Rs 13.5 million to facilitate extensive arrangements, including the distribution of langar (free meals) for visitors and the organization of various religious and cultural events.
In a press briefing on Wednesday, the Auqaf Secretary provided details of the preparations for the Urs. He announced that the celebrations will be inaugurated on Saturday, August 24, 2024, by the Deputy Prime Minister of Pakistan, Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar. The Urs will continue through Sunday and Monday, culminating on August 26 at the saint’s Astana.
To ensure the safety and security of the thousands of pilgrims expected to attend, comprehensive security measures have been put in place. These include the installation of 144 security cameras and closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems around the shrine premises. Additionally, a separate control room has been established to monitor the event, and 18 LCD screens will be set up by the police department to enhance surveillance and ensure the protection of the attendees.
The Punjab government’s decision to declare a public holiday underscores the cultural and religious significance of this annual event, allowing the people of Lahore to participate fully in the Urs celebrations.
History of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh and Data Darbar, Lahore
Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh, also known as Ali Hujwiri, was a renowned Sufi saint born in Ghazni, present-day Afghanistan, in the 11th century. He is celebrated for his profound spiritual teachings and his seminal work, “Kashf al-Mahjub” (The Unveiling of the Veiled), which is considered one of the earliest and most comprehensive treatises on Sufism1.
Early Life and Journey to Lahore
Ali Hujwiri traveled extensively in search of spiritual knowledge, eventually settling in Lahore, Pakistan. His arrival in Lahore marked a significant turning point in the city’s spiritual landscape. He established a khanqah (Sufi center) and a mosque, which became focal points for spiritual learning and practice2.
Establishment of Data Darbar
The shrine, known as Data Darbar, was initially a simple grave next to the mosque built by Ali Hujwiri. Over time, the belief in the spiritual powers of Sufi saints led to the construction of a larger shrine during the Mughal period2. The shrine complex was further expanded in the 19th century and underwent significant development in the 1980s under the rule of General Zia-ul-Haq2.
Architectural Significance
Data Darbar is not only a spiritual center but also an architectural marvel. The complex includes a mosque, a library, a madrasa, and designated spaces for musical performances. The shrine’s architecture reflects a blend of Mughal and modern styles, making it a significant landmark in Lahore2.
Cultural and Religious Importance
Data Darbar is the largest Sufi shrine in South Asia and attracts millions of visitors annually, especially during the Urs festival, which commemorates the death anniversary of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh2. The shrine is a symbol of Lahore’s rich spiritual heritage and continues to be a place of solace and inspiration for devotees from all over the world.
Modern Developments
In recent years, the shrine has seen further expansions, including the addition of a free kitchen (langar) that serves meals to thousands of visitors daily. The site also hosts the Mehfil-e-Sama, a two-day qawwali music festival that has been a tradition since 19652.
Conclusion
Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh’s legacy lives on through Data Darbar, a testament to his enduring spiritual influence. The shrine remains a beacon of Sufi traditions and continues to inspire countless individuals seeking spiritual enlightenment.
H8H4+J6C, Data Darbar Rd, Data Gunj Buksh Town, Lahore, Punjab 54000, Pakistan
