Public holiday in Lahore on August 26?

LAHORE – People in provincial capital Lahore are expecting a public holiday on 981st Urs of Hazrat Ali Hajveri, also known as Data Ganj Bakhsh.

Ahead of the occasion, Lahore High Court declared holiday for courts in light of the religious event, but the provincial government has yet to confirm whether a public holiday will be announced for this year’s Urs.

Last year, a public holiday was declared on September 7 on Urs of Hazrat Ali Hajveri R.A. In light of 2023 holiday, people in Lahore are expecting a local holiday.

If government decides to announce a holiday, all schools, colleges and universities, and offices will remain closed on August 26, but there is no such announcement about the holiday.

Data Ganj Bakhsh’s Urs

Data Ganj Bakhsh’s Urs is annual gathering on anniversary of Hazrat Ali Hajveri – a famous Sufi saint. Ali was a prominent Persian scholar, mystic, and theologian, who played a significant role in the spread of Islam in the Indian subcontinent, particularly in Lahore, Pakistan.

The Urs, which typically lasts for several days takes place in heart of Lahore where devotees from across the region gather to pay homage, participate in prayers, recite poetry, and listen to Qawwali.

People distribute free food to all attendees and is a time of deep spiritual reflection and community gathering. The Urs is symbol of Sufi traditions and practices, celebrating the teachings and legacy of Data Ganj Bakhsh.