Mela Chiraghan: The fire has been lit

Thousands gather on the first day of the 426th urs of Madhu Lal Hussain.

LAHORE:

Thousands of devotees from all over the country have gathered for the 426th urs of Madhu Lal Hussain that kicked off on Saturday.

The three-day celebration, also known as Mela Chiraghan (festival of lights), is famous for a big alao (fire) in which devotees toss oil, ghee, candles, wax and various other offerings. Minister for Religious Affairs Atta Muhammad Maneka laid a floral wreath at the shrine and formally launched the celebrations.

The largest gathering centred at the alao where thousands flocked to pray for their wishes to come true. Several malangs (mendicants) sat quietly in a corner of the shrine.

The event also attracted a large number drug addicts who used the narcotics without any fear. The use of drugs at the urs is popularly recognised as a part of the celebrations and authorities usually turn a blind eye towards it. However, authorities have banned the sale and distribution of bhang (cannabis) this year.

Strict security measures have been taken this year. The devotees are required to pass through a walk-through gate and be frisked by the police and Auqaf guards. Dhols have also not been allowed on the shrine premises due to security reasons.

Another attraction for families is a bazaar where swings for children and hundreds of stalls selling traditional food have been set up.

Shahid Akbar, a dental technician from Samnabad, has brought his six-year-old son Shayan Akbar along with him.

He says he had prayed for a son at the alao years ago and his wish had come true. He says he had experienced several miracles by praying at the shrine. He says he wants his son to be similarly devoted to the shrine.

Muhammad Zahid from Sharifpura says he does not visit the shrine to pray but to offer his salam (salute). He says there are a lot more people at the urs this year compared to last year. He says Mela Chiraghan is more of a festival than an urs as it has so many attractions.

Muhammad Idris, a malang dressed in a traditional red gown, says he has visited all the major shrines in the city.

“My life’s mission is to serve the saints”. When asked about his drug use, he says it was between him and God. He says he lives on langar and charity.

When asked about the ornaments he wears, he says it is a family tradition. Hundreds of malangs dressed mostly in red and black gowns are camped in a section of the shrine.

Auqaf Administrator Shamsul Haq says the department has provided Rs458,000 for the event, the same as last year. He says two days of the festival are open for all and the third day is reserved for women. He says the authorities cannot stop malangs from taking drugs since it is a part of the festival.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 30^th, 2014.