The Punjab government has declared a public holiday in Lahore district on Monday, August 26, 2024, in observance of the 981st Annual Urs of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA).
According to a notification issued by the Services and General Administration Department (Welfare Wing) on Tuesday, the holiday will be observed in all government offices across Lahore, with the exception of the Punjab Civil Secretariat, its Attached Departments, and Regional Offices.
The Urs celebrations for the revered saint Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh Ali Hajveri (RA) will span three days, from August 24 to 26. Extensive preparations have been made, with the Auqaf Department allocating Rs13.5 million for langar (free meals) and various religious events during the celebrations.
During a media briefing on Wednesday, the Auqaf Secretary provided details of the arrangements. The Urs, which will take place at the shrine of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh, will be officially inaugurated on August 24 by Deputy Prime Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar.
To ensure the safety and security of pilgrims, special measures have been implemented. These include the installation of 144 CCTV cameras, a dedicated control room, and 18 LCD screens to monitor the proceedings throughout the event.
