Lahore: The three-day spiritual celebrations of the 982nd Urs of Hazrat Data Ali Hajveri (R.A.) began in Lahore today. These celebrations are being held at Data Darbar, where thousands of devotees from across the country are participating.
Federal Minister for Finance, Mr. Ishaq Dar, reached Data Darbar this morning, performed the ritual of covering the headscarf and offered Fateha. He was accompanied by Federal Minister for Communications, Mr. Abdul Aleem Khan and Provincial Minister for Food and Housing, Mr. Bilal Yasin. He formally inaugurated the Urs celebrations and addressed the participants.
The Lahore District Administration has declared August 15 as a public holiday on the occasion of Urs. All government offices, educational institutions and public offices will remain closed on that day. This decision has been taken in view of public devotion and spiritual importance.
Qawwali, Mehfil-e-Zikr, Durood-e-Salaam and other spiritual gatherings are being organized during the Urs celebrations. Langar has also been arranged for the devotees. Under tight security arrangements, the police and other law enforcement agencies are on duty to avoid any untoward incident.
Hazrat Data Ali Hajveri (R.A.) was a great Sufi saint of the 11th century, who influenced millions of people with his teachings and spiritual guidance. His famous book “Kashf al-Mahjoob” is considered an important document on Sufism. His school of thought is still alive around the world today.
Lahore is also known as the “City of Data”, and the celebrations of this Urs highlight the spiritual and cultural importance of the city.
