Until next year: Of mystics and their followers

973rd urs of Data Ganj Bakhsh ends peacefully with prayers for peace

LAHORE: There’s plenty to eat, drink and be merry. At the shrine of Lahore’s patron saint, the suicide bombing of 2010 seems a distant memory. Like every year, thousands of devotees have turned up at the urs of Ali bin Usman al Hajveri or Data Ganj Bakhsh.

A series of spiritual gatherings continue as the last day of the three-day celebration nears its end. A large number of faithful want to stay till the final rites when the last dua (prayers) will be offered.

Amid prayers for peace and prosperity of the country, the 973rd urs ended peacefully after sunset. Saturday was the last day to be a part of a spiritual journey that only the brave dare to attend, considering the frequent attacks on Sufi shrines in recent years.



At the same place, 42 people were killed and about 200 more wounded when two bombers attacked the shrine situated in the heart of Lahore in July 2010, as thousands of people had gathered to pray, dance and listen to devotional music.

The memories seem to have died out. The shrine has been decorated with fairy lights with devotees lighting candles all over the place, creating a soothing ambience. Food donated by the tonnes is being prepared for the people. Mystics perform the dhamal [ritual dance] as drummers continue to play music for hours. Countless spiritual and religious gatherings are observed with leaders from all parts of the country participating in the celebrations. Recitation of Holy Quran, qawali and dhamal performances continue throughout.



Complex Administrator Dr Noor Muhammad Awan says it is difficult to estimate the exact number of visitors during the three days of urs. The rush at entry and exit points indicates the shrine is hosting a number far beyond the designated capacity of the shrine, which can accommodate nearly 50,000 visitors at any given time.

Best possible security arrangements have been ensured by the district administration and law enforcement agencies. The faithful do not seem to care the extra precautionary measures.

As the urs draws to a close amid prayers, there’s hope. The devotees will be back again, next year.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 22^nd, 2016.