Lahore has come alive with spiritual fervor as devotees gather to mark the 982nd annual Urs of Hazrat Data Ali Hajveri (RA), one of South Asia’s most revered Sufi saints. The three-day event, which began Wednesday, is being held under tight security to manage the expected crowds.
Honoring a Legacy of Faith and Wisdom
Often called Data Ki Nagri in honor of his enduring influence, Lahore has long been synonymous with Hazrat Ali bin Usman Hajveri, popularly known as Data Sahib (RA). Migrating from Afghanistan nearly a millennium ago, he settled near Bhati Gate, where his teachings and personal example inspired countless people to embrace Islam. His seminal work, Kashf-ul-Mahjub, continues to serve as a cornerstone for the study of Sufism.
Festivities Draw Thousands
The Urs celebrations, scheduled from August 13 to 15, attract devotees from across Pakistan. The event’s program blends spiritual devotion with cultural traditions, featuring Qirat and Naat recitations alongside Sama gatherings, which celebrate Sufi music. Attendees can also enjoy langar, free meals served in the saint’s name, as well as milk stalls and an array of sweets and religious items sold by local vendors around the shrine.
Security Measures in Place
With safety a top priority, DIG Operations Faisal Kamran personally inspected entry and exit points at Data Darbar, instructing officials to strengthen security measures. Roads leading to the shrine from Town Hall, Bilal Ganj, and Karbala Gamay Shah have been partially sealed with containers and barbed wire, though access remains open to pedestrians and motorcyclists.
Public Holiday Declared
In recognition of the Urs, the Punjab Government has announced a public holiday in Lahore on August 15. The closure affects multiple municipal and provincial departments, including MCL, LDA, TEPA, WASA, PHA, Walled City Authority, RUDA, and LWMC zones. However, the Civil Secretariat and its subordinate offices will remain operational, ensuring essential government services continue uninterrupted.
The annual Urs of Hazrat Data Ali Hajveri not only honors a spiritual figure but also reinforces Lahore’s identity as a historic center of Sufi culture, drawing people together in devotion, music, and community service.