Punjab declares August 26 as public holiday for Lahore

The Punjab government has announced a public holiday in Lahore district on Monday, August 26, 2024, marking the 981st Annual Urs of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA).

The Services and General Administration Department (Welfare Wing) issued the notification on Tuesday. The holiday applies to all government offices in Lahore, excluding the Punjab Civil Secretariat, its Attached Departments, and Regional Offices.

The three-day Urs celebrations for the revered saint Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh Ali Hajveri (RA) are scheduled from August 24 to 26. Extensive arrangements have been made, with the Auqaf Department allocating Rs13.5 million for langar and various events.

Addressing the media on Wednesday, the Auqaf Secretary shared details of the preparations. The Urs, to be held at Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh’s shrine, will be officially inaugurated on August 24 by Deputy Prime Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar.

Special security measures include the installation of 144 CCTV cameras, a control room, and 18 LCD screens to monitor the proceedings and ensure the safety of pilgrims.