LAHORE (Web Desk) – The Punjab government has declared a local public holiday in Lahore on August 4 to facilitate Urs celebrations of Hazrat Ali Hajveri, widely revered as Data Ganj Bakhsh, with district-level government offices set to remain closed while essential provincial institutions continue functioning as usual.
An official notification issued by the Punjab government confirmed that the holiday applies to district offices operating under the administrative control of the Deputy Commissioner Lahore. The measure has been taken to facilitate devotees participating in the annual Urs celebrations, which attract thousands of visitors from across Pakistan.
According to the notification, all district government offices in Lahore will remain closed on Monday, August 4. Officials said the decision is intended to ensure smooth administrative arrangements and help manage the large influx of pilgrims expected during the religious event.
The Punjab government clarified that the holiday does not extend to the Punjab Civil Secretariat or other provincial government departments. These offices will continue routine operations according to their normal working schedule, ensuring that provincial administrative functions remain unaffected.
Officials said only departments working directly under the Deputy Commissioner Lahore fall within the scope of the notification. Employees serving in provincial ministries, autonomous bodies and other institutions not covered by the district administration will continue performing their official duties.
The annual Urs of Hazrat Ali Hajveri is one of the largest religious gatherings in the country. Thousands of devotees visit the historic shrine every year to offer prayers, participate in religious ceremonies and attend spiritual gatherings held throughout the celebrations.
Authorities expect a significant increase in visitors over the coming days. In response, district administration officials have finalised arrangements to ensure security, traffic management, sanitation and medical facilities around the shrine and adjoining areas.
Law enforcement agencies have also prepared a comprehensive security plan to maintain public order during the celebrations. Additional police personnel are expected to be deployed at key locations, while surveillance measures have been strengthened to facilitate peaceful observance of the Urs.
Traffic police have been directed to implement special traffic management plans to minimise congestion around the shrine and surrounding roads. Diversion plans may be introduced where necessary to ensure uninterrupted movement of pilgrims and residents.
Municipal authorities have also intensified cleaning operations in and around the shrine complex. Special teams have been assigned to maintain cleanliness, improve waste disposal and ensure uninterrupted water and electricity supply during the event.
Health authorities are expected to establish temporary medical camps and emergency response units near the shrine to provide immediate assistance in case of illness or other emergencies involving visitors.
Officials urged devotees to cooperate with law enforcement personnel and follow official instructions to help ensure a safe and orderly environment throughout the Urs celebrations.
The annual Urs holds immense religious and cultural significance, commemorating the life and teachings of Hazrat Ali Hajveri, whose shrine remains one of the country’s most visited spiritual sites. People from different provinces travel to Lahore each year to pay their respects and participate in religious activities.
Religious scholars are scheduled to deliver sermons highlighting the saint’s contributions to Islamic scholarship, spirituality and social harmony. Quran recitations, special prayers and gatherings of remembrance will also be organised during the celebrations.
The district administration said all relevant departments have been instructed to remain fully prepared throughout the event. Emergency response teams, civic agencies and security officials will remain on duty to ensure efficient coordination and timely handling of any situation.
Citizens visiting the shrine have been advised to plan their travel in advance due to expected traffic congestion and increased public movement around the city. Authorities also encouraged the public to use designated parking areas and cooperate with traffic wardens.
The Punjab government reiterated that while district offices in Lahore will observe the local holiday, provincial government departments, the Punjab Civil Secretariat and other institutions not covered under the notification will continue functioning normally without interruption. Officials expressed hope that the arrangements would facilitate devotees while maintaining essential public services during the annual religious occasion.
