The 982nd urs of Sufi saint Hazrat Ali Hajveri, widely known as Data Ganj Bakhsh, began in Lahore on Wednesday. Thousands of devotees arrived from across the country to pay their respects at Data Darbar.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar officially inaugurated the three-day event. He laid the traditional chador at the saint’s shrine and offered Fateha.
Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan also attended the ceremony. Provincial Minister for Food and Housing Bilal Yasin joined the officials in welcoming Ishaq Dar upon his arrival.
Both ministers participated in prayers marking the opening of the urs. Their presence highlighted the significance of the event, which draws pilgrims every year from Punjab and other provinces.
Authorities have set up strict security arrangements around Data Darbar to ensure a safe and smooth experience for all devotees. Security personnel are actively monitoring the area, and traffic management measures have been implemented to handle the large crowd.
To facilitate participation, the Lahore district administration announced a public holiday on Friday, August 15. This allows pilgrims to attend the urs without work or school commitments. Local businesses and transport services are also adjusting operations to accommodate the influx of visitors.
The annual urs of Data Ganj Bakhsh is a major spiritual event in Pakistan, celebrated with prayers, qawwali sessions, and communal gatherings. Devotees visit the shrine to seek blessings and reflect on the teachings of the revered Sufi saint.
Officials urge all attendees to follow security guidelines and cooperate with authorities. The urs is expected to conclude peacefully on Friday, with ceremonies and prayers continuing throughout the day.
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