The Punjab government has announced a local holiday in Lahore on August 26, 2024, to mark the annual Urs of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh. This notification, issued by the Services and General Administration Department (Welfare Wing), ensures that all government offices in Lahore will closed, except for the Punjab Civil Secretariat, its attached departments, and regional offices.
The local holiday also extend to all public and private schools in Lahore, which will be closed on August 26. This break will provide students with a rare three-day holiday, as schools already closed on Saturdays and Sundays. With August 26 falling on a Monday, students will resume classes on Tuesday, enjoying an extended weekend.
Celebrating Data Ganj Bakhsh’s Urs
The Urs of Data Ganj Bakhsh is an annual event commemorating the anniversary of Hazrat Ali Hajveri, a revered Sufi saint. Hazrat Ali, a distinguished Persian scholar, mystic, and theologian played a crucial role in spreading Islam in the Indian subcontinent, especially in Lahore.
The Urs, held in the heart of Lahore, is a vibrant celebration featuring prayers, poetic recitations, and Qawwali performances. Devotees gather from across the region to honor the saint’s legacy, participate in spiritual reflections, and enjoy communal meals. This event not only highlights Sufi traditions but also fosters a sense of community and spiritual devotion.
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