LAHORE – The Punjab government has declared a local holiday in Lahore district on August 26, 2024, on account of annual Urs of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh.

The Services and General Administration Department (Welfare Wing) has issued a notification in this regard.

The local holiday will apply to all government offices in Lahore, except for the Punjab Civil Secretariat, its attached departments, and regional offices.

Three Holiday For Schools in Lahore

All public and private schools will also remain closed on August 26 due to local holiday. It means students would enjoy three consecutive holidays in Lahore as schools used to remain closed on Saturday and Sunday. As August 26 falls on Monday, the students will go back to schools on Tuesday after three holidays.

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.