The government of Punjab has declared a public holiday in the province on August 26 (Monday) to mark the 981st annual urs celebrations of the revered saint, Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh.

The three-day urs celebrations will be held from August 24 to 26 at the Astana (shrine) of the saint. The event will be formally inaugurated by Deputy Prime Ishaq Dar.

In a notification issued by the Services and General Administration Department (Welfare Wing), the public holiday will apply to all government offices in Lahore, except for the Punjab Civil Secretariat, its Attached Departments, and Regional Offices.

The Auqaf Department has allocated Rs 13.5 million for extensive arrangements, including the provision of langar (community kitchen) for the large number of visitors expected to attend the festivities.

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Security arrangements for the event include the installation of 144 security cameras and closed-circuit televisions, the establishment of a dedicated control room, and the placement of 18 LCD screens by the police department to ensure the safety and protection of the pilgrims.

The urs of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh Ali Hajveri is one of the most significant religious events in Lahore, drawing thousands of devotees from across the country to pay homage to the revered Sufi saint.