Lahore Declares Public Holiday on August 26 for Data Ganj Bakhsh Urs

The Punjab government has officially declared a public holiday in Lahore on Monday, August 26, 2024, in celebration of the 981st Urs of Hazrat Ali Hajveri, also known as Data Ganj Bakhsh. According to a notification from the Services and General Administration Department (Welfare Wing), all schools and government offices in Lahore District will remain closed, with the exception of the Punjab Civil Secretariat, its attached departments, and regional offices.

This holiday will allow residents to participate in the spiritual and cultural activities associated with the Urs, which is an important event in Lahore’s religious calendar. The Lahore Division Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner have been directed to ensure that the public is informed about the holiday.

In a related development, the Lahore High Court (LHC) has also declared August 26 as a public holiday with the approval of Acting Chief Justice Abid Aziz Sheikh.