Data Sahib’s urs concludes with special prayers

The 972nd urs celebrations of Hazrat Ali Bin Usman Al-Hajveri famously known as Data Ganj Bakhsh concluded on Thursday amid special prayers.

The devotees from all over the country came at the grave of renowned Sufi to pay their homage as Data Ganj Bakhsh is credited to write the first book in Persian language on the subject of mysticism.

Tajammal Hussain Syed, a diehard devotee who came from Shiekhupura to participate in the urs celebrations, told Pakistan Today that he has been coming here since his childhood. He said that the spiritual atmosphere of shrine compels him to come here every year. Syed was of the view that he has witnessed that his prayers are fulfilled after coming here so he lays floral wreath at the shrine and distributes the “Langar”, the traditional food.

Zain Waqas, a devotee who came from Pakpattan, said that the book of Data Sahib “Kashful Mahjoob” is still regarded as the masterpiece in the world of Sufism. He further added that the very reason to come here is that he belongs from the land of another Sufi Baba Farid ud Din Ganj Shakkar, Pakpattan and he himself was a great follower of Data Sahab and used to visit Lahore quite often to pay rich tribute to him.

“It is a matter of faith and I love to play “Dhamal” on the drum beat,” Zain concluded, who is forced to come at shrine owing to his love for Qawwali and Dhammal.

The government had released Rs 9 million for three-day urs celebration which was inaugurated by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar.

Three generators were installed to provide uninterrupted power supply to visitors and special camps of health department, Rescue 1122 and civil defense were also set up to facilitate the devotees. More than 100 surveillance cameras were installed and strict security arrangements were made to avoid any untoward incident.

The Qawwalis and Dhamal were performed during the urs celebration. Moreover, special prayers were organised in opening and closing ceremony for the prosperity of country. The prayer leader of Data Sahib Mosque also prayed for the Pak Army and Operation Zarb-e-Azb. A Malang Saien Akhtar came from Kasur on foot to pay his greatest tribute to Data Sahib.

He said that all the cure of his diseases lies at the shrine of Data Sahib and that’s why he reached there on foot. The business activity in adjoining areas flourished manifold due to urs celebration as a number of road-side stalls were decorated in the area.