Residents of Lahore are anticipating a public holiday for the 981st Urs of Hazrat Ali Hajveri, also known as Data Ganj Bakhsh.

While the Lahore High Court has declared a holiday for courts in honor of the religious event, the provincial government has not yet confirmed whether a public holiday will be announced for this year’s Urs.

Last year, a public holiday was observed on September 7 for the Urs of Hazrat Ali Hajveri R.A., leading to expectations of a similar holiday this year.

If the government decides to declare a holiday, all schools, colleges, universities, and offices would remain closed on August 26. However, no official announcement has been made regarding the holiday.

Data Ganj Bakhsh’s Urs

Data Ganj Bakhsh’s Urs is an annual event commemorating the anniversary of Hazrat Ali Hajveri, a renowned Sufi saint. Hazrat Ali was a distinguished Persian scholar, mystic, and theologian, who significantly contributed to the spread of Islam in the Indian subcontinent, particularly in Lahore, Pakistan.

The Urs, which usually spans several days, is held in the heart of Lahore, where devotees from across the region come together to pay their respects, participate in prayers, recite poetry, and listen to Qawwali.

The event is marked by the distribution of free food to attendees and serves as a time of deep spiritual reflection and communal gathering.

The Urs stands as a symbol of Sufi traditions and practices, celebrating the teachings and legacy of Data Ganj Bakhsh.