The Punjab government has declared a local holiday in Lahore District on Monday, August 26, 2024, to mark the 981st Annual Urs of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA). This holiday will apply to all government offices in Lahore, except for the Punjab Civil Secretariat, its Attached Departments, and Regional Offices.
Local authorities, including the Lahore Division Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner, have been instructed to ensure that the public is informed about the holiday. All public and private educational institutions in Lahore will remain closed on this day.
Local Holiday for Urs of Hazrat Ali Hajveri
This Urs is an annual event that commemorates Hazrat Ali Hajveri, also known as Data Ganj Bakhsh, a renowned Sufi saint who greatly influenced the spread of Islam in the Indian subcontinent.
The Urs typically lasts several days, during which devotees gather to offer prayers, recite poetry, and listen to Qawwali. It is also a time when free food is distributed to attendees, symbolizing community and spiritual reflection.
The Lahore High Court has also declared a holiday for courts in observance of the Urs. The holiday has been approved, students will enjoy a long weekend from August 24 to 26, with schools reopening on August 27.
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