The three-day 971st Urs celebrations of Hazrat Ali Bin Usman Alhajveri popularly known as Hazrat Data Gunj Bakhsh started at his shrine here on Thursday. The traditional Rasm-e-Chaddar Poshi (Laying of wreath on the shrine) was performed by Federal Finance Minister Senator Ishaq Dar who was also the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony.
Punjab Minister for Auqaf and Religious Affairs Ata Muhammad Manika, Punjab Food Minister Bilal Yaseen, senior officers of the Auqaf Department and a large number of devotees were also present at the inaugural ceremony. Millions of devotees and visitors from all parts of the country and abroad have reached to pay homage to the saint and offer special prayers.
Meanwhile, the Punjab Auqaf department has allocated Rs 8.0 million for arrangements, providing facilities to devotees. A milk Sabeel has also been set up at the place for serving the devotees. Strict security measures are in place to avoid any untoward incident during the Urs. The department had installed 115 CCTV cameras in the premises of Darbar to monitor celebrations and about 1,827 police men, including three SPs, seven DSPs and 19 SHOs would perform security duty.
Nearly 12 walk through gates have also been installed besides deputing 175 security guards with metal detectors. Camp offices of the Wapda, Wasa, Civil Defence and first aid have also been established to facilitate the pilgrims while 225 employees will work in three shifts for cleanliness. Mehfil-e-Samaa, Naat Khawani and spiritual meetings have also started that will continue for next three days.
Hazrat Ali Usman Hajveri - known as Hazrat Data Ganj Baksh (RA) was born in 400 AH in Ghazni (Afghanistan). He belonged to a Syed family. He wrote many books. His famous book was Kashful Mahjub that is considered an authority on Sufism. He died at the age of 65 in Lahore. His Annual Urs is celebrated on 19th Safar. Thousands of devotees daily pay homage to the saint patron of Lahore and offer prayers at the sprawling compound of the mosque.
Comments
Comments are closed.