The Lahore district administration has officially declared Friday, August 15, 2025, a public holiday in connection with the annual Urs of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA). A formal notification confirmed that all government offices, educational institutions, and public departments within the city will remain closed on this date.
The Urs, commemorating Hazrat Ali Hajveri—widely revered as Data Sahib—holds deep spiritual significance and attracts thousands of devotees from across Pakistan and abroad each year. The event is marked by religious gatherings, prayers, and distribution of food to visitors and underprivileged communities.
Two Days of Festivity and Reflection
This year’s holiday coincides with Pakistan’s Independence Day celebrations on Thursday, August 14, giving Lahore residents two consecutive days off. While August 14 will be celebrated with patriotic zeal, parades, and cultural programs, the following day will shift the city’s focus towards spiritual reflection and religious devotion.
For many, the back-to-back holidays offer a rare opportunity to engage in both national celebrations and religious observances without interruption. Businesses and public transport may also adjust schedules during these days to accommodate increased public movement around cultural and religious venues.
Other Regional Holiday Announcements
Similar holiday declarations have been made in other parts of the country. The Sindh Education Department recently announced a holiday for all public and private educational institutions on August 15 to mark the Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA). This solemn occasion is observed worldwide with processions, religious sermons, and expressions of mourning, particularly by the Shia Muslim community.
In the federal capital, the Islamabad district administration declared August 13 as a local holiday within the limits of the city’s revenue jurisdiction. This move was announced by the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) District Magistrate, providing residents an additional day off ahead of the mid-August holiday period.
Impact on Lahore
Authorities in Lahore are expected to implement traffic management plans during the Urs to ensure smooth movement for pilgrims and residents. Security arrangements are typically heightened during such large-scale religious events, with police deployment, security checks, and crowd control measures in place.
For visitors attending the Urs, the two-day holiday window may allow for more extended participation in activities such as visiting the shrine, engaging in charitable acts, and attending religious lectures. Local markets and food vendors around the shrine area often experience a surge in activity during this time, adding an economic dimension to the event’s impact.
With consecutive holidays blending patriotism and spirituality, Lahore is set to experience a unique mid-August period that combines national pride with centuries-old traditions of faith and community service.
