Annual Spiritual Gathering Begins
Lahore has begun three days of festivities to mark the 982nd Urs (death anniversary) of the revered Sufi saint, Hazrat Data Ali Hajveri. Pilgrims from across Pakistan are arriving at the historic shrine to seek spiritual blessings.
The celebrations, which run from 13 to 15 August, feature Quran recitation, devotional poetry (naat), and traditional Sufi music gatherings (sama). The Urs is among the largest annual religious events in Lahore, drawing hundreds of thousands of devotees.
Hospitality for Pilgrims
Organizers have made elaborate arrangements to host visitors. Large-scale communal meals (langar) are being served throughout the event. Traditional milk stalls, known as sabeels, are set up along the surrounding streets, and sweet shops are doing brisk business catering to the festive crowds.
For many pilgrims, the Urs is not just a religious obligation but a cultural celebration. Families travel in groups, and the shrine area is filled with the sound of prayers, recitations, and Sufi music late into the night.
Legacy of Data Ali Hajveri
Born Ali bin Usman Hajveri, the saint is believed to have arrived in Lahore from present-day Afghanistan nearly a thousand years ago. He settled near the Bhati Gate area and became known for his generosity, wisdom, and moral character.
Through his teachings and personal example, he is said to have inspired many non-Muslims of the time to embrace Islam. His most famous work, Kashf al-Mahjub (“Unveiling of the Veiled”), remains one of the earliest and most respected texts on Sufi thought in the Persian language.
The shrine, commonly known as Data Darbar, has since become one of the most visited Sufi sites in South Asia.
Security Measures in Place
Given the scale of the gathering, authorities have implemented stringent security arrangements. Lahore’s Deputy Inspector General of Operations, Faisal Kamran, inspected the shrine and its surroundings, reviewing entry and exit points.
All major access routes to Data Darbar have been sealed with containers and barbed wire, with specific entryways designated for pedestrians and motorcyclists. Surveillance cameras are in operation, and additional police personnel have been deployed to prevent any untoward incident.
In previous years, large gatherings at Sufi shrines in Pakistan have faced security threats, prompting authorities to take extra precautions during major religious festivals.
Public Holiday Declared
The Punjab government has announced a public holiday in Lahore on 15 August to mark the final day of the Urs. Departments such as the Metropolitan Corporation Lahore (MCL), Lahore Development Authority (LDA), Traffic Engineering and Planning Agency (TEPA), Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA), Walled City Authority, Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA), and Lahore Waste Management Company (LWMC) will remain closed.
However, the Civil Secretariat and its affiliated offices will continue to operate as usual. The official notification was issued on Friday.
Symbol of Sufi Tradition
The Urs of Data Ali Hajveri is a major event in Pakistan’s religious calendar. It reflects the enduring influence of Sufi traditions in South Asia, where saints are revered not only for their piety but also for their role in promoting tolerance, compassion, and unity.
Every year, the event attracts devotees from different provinces and social backgrounds, highlighting the saint’s widespread appeal. For many, attending the Urs is a chance to connect with a heritage that transcends sectarian divides and political boundaries.
