Hazrat Imam Hussain & Data Ganj Bakhsh Local Holiday in Lahore: Commemorating Faith and Generosity
Lahore, the heart of Pakistan’s Punjab province, is a city rich in history, culture, and religious heritage. Among the numerous historical figures revered by the people of Lahore, two prominent personalities hold a special place in the hearts of both Muslims and non-Muslims alike – Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh.
Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) – The Symbol of Sacrifice:
Hazrat Imam Hussain ibn Ali (AS) was the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the son of Hazrat Ali (AS) and Hazrat Fatimah (AS). He holds an esteemed position in Islamic history as a symbol of sacrifice, bravery, and devotion to principles. The event that forever etched his name in history was the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE.
Imam Hussain’s refusal to pledge allegiance to the tyrannical ruler of his time, Yazid ibn Muawiya, led to a confrontation in the desolate land of Karbala, where Hussain, along with his small group of loyal companions, faced an overwhelmingly large and merciless army. Despite knowing the inevitable outcome, Imam Hussain stood firm in upholding justice and preserving the true teachings of Islam.
On the 10th of Muharram, known as Ashura, Imam Hussain, his family members, and companions were mercilessly martyred.
Muharram and Ashura in Lahore:
In Lahore, the month of Muharram holds immense significance. Devout Muslims commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussain with processions and gatherings. Majestic Tazias, replicas of the shrine of Hazrat Imam Hussain, are carried through the city streets amid a sea of mourners clad in black.
During this time, the city of Lahore resonates with the soul-stirring sounds of Noha and Marsiya, elegies that recount the tragic events of Karbala and pay tribute to the martyrs. The atmosphere is filled with grief, solemnity, and reflection as the believers express their devotion to Imam Hussain and his cause.
Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh – The Bestower of Spiritual Blessings:
Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh, whose real name was Ali Hajveri, was a revered Sufi saint who lived in the 11th century. He was a Persian Sufi and a prominent figure in the Chishti order.
Information Ganj Bakhsh’s lessons stressed solidarity, lowliness, and magnanimity. He had faith in the groundbreaking force of affection and taught that by serving mankind, one could accomplish closeness to the Heavenly. His original work, “Kashf-ul-Mahjoob,” is viewed as a magnum opus in Islamic writing and digs into the complexities of the Sufi way of thinking.
Data Ganj Bakhsh Urs Celebration:
Every year, during the Islamic month of Safar, the annual Urs (death anniversary) of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh is celebrated with great fervor. The shrine comes alive with colorful decorations and the fragrance of incense. Devotees from all walks of life, irrespective of their religious beliefs, gather to pay their respects and seek spiritual blessings.
The Urs celebrations include recitations of the Quran, Qawwali performances, and Sama, the ecstatic dance associated with Sufi mysticism. So, the people charge the atmosphere with a sense of unity and brotherhood as people come together to celebrate the legacy of this great saint.
Data Ganj Bakhsh Local Holiday in Lahore:
Recognizing the importance of these two revered figures in Lahore’s cultural and religious heritage, the local government has declared a holiday on the Urs of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh.
Moreover, on the 9th and 10th of Muharram, the government also declared a public holiday to observe Ashura. This enables the residents to observe the occasion in a befitting manner and ensures a peaceful environment during the processions and gatherings.
The Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain & Urs of Data Ganj Bakhsh has started in Lahore. So, the government of Punjab has announced a local holiday in this regard.
In addition, the services and general administration S&GAD has issued a notification of district holidays. However, the secretariat and federal employees will work.
Hazrat Imam Hussain & Data Ganj Bakhsh Local Holiday Lahore
On the occasion of the annual Urs of Hazrat Ali Hajwary alias Data Ganj Bakhsh, the Punjab Government declared a public holiday at the local level yesterday (September 28). However, the Punjab Civil Secretariat and affiliated agencies will remain open as usual. ۔
In addition, the government has announced a local holiday in Lahore on Tuesday on the occasion of Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain and Urs of Sufi saint Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh. The Punjab Government S & GAD Department has issued a notification for tomorrow’s local holiday, stating that district government offices and educational institutions will remain closed tomorrow. However, federal agencies and civil secretariats will remain open.
Today is the second day of the annual 988th Urs celebrations of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh. Devotees from all over the country, including Lahore, continue to come to seek blessings. A large number of female devotees also attended and asked for prayers. Visitors lined up and waited for their turn to attend.
For Chehlum imam Hussain 2023 https://youtu.be/hblPiYovFfE
The administration has organized a special hearing at the Data Darbar, in which eminent poets from all over the country offered their devotion. Provincial Ministers Pir Syed Saeed Al Hassan, Mian Aslam Iqbal, and Hafiz Mumtaz also attended the hearing. The provincial ministers said that following the teachings of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh could bring peace to the society.
Related Links in the post of Chehlum Imam Hussain 2021:
- Punjab Public Holidays 2021 Govt Notification S&GAD Issued
- Notification of Annual Public Holidays with Long Winter Vacations
Devotees who came to the Data Darbar said that they came here to seek spiritual blessings. So, the police have made Strict security arrangements on the occasion of Urs. While Anchorage has also been arranged for the visitors.
Chehlum imam Hussain
Conclusion:
The local holiday in Lahore to commemorate Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh reflects the city’s rich religious diversity and cultural heritage. By honoring these two esteemed figures, Lahore upholds the principles of justice, unity, and generosity that continue to inspire its inhabitants and visitors alike.
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