LAHORE:The Punjab government has declared a public holiday in Lahore on March 28. This declaration has been made in relation to the Mela Chiraghan festival. This festival is celebrated every year on the occasion of the ‘Urs’ of a Sufi saint named Shah Hussain, who is also known by the name of Madhu Lal Hussain.
In a notification, it has been declared that this public holiday will be observed at the district level. This public holiday will be applicable to the subordinate offices in Lahore District. Therefore, all government activities in Lahore will be closed on this particular day.
Traditions and public observations
Mela Chiraghan is observed every year to mark the Urs of Shah Hussain. This festival is attended by a large number of people from various parts of the region. People gather to participate in cultural activities such as lamp lighting and qawwali.
It is also a reflection of the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of Lahore. People visit the shrine of Shah Hussain to pay their respects. Therefore, it is expected that there will be a greater public movement on this day.
Legacy of Shah Hussain
Shah Hussain, also known as Madho Lal Hussain, is a renowned Sufi poet in Punjabi literature. He was born in 1538 in Lahore under Mughal rule. His poetry is centered around concepts of love, longing, and spirituality.
Over time, his poetry has been important in Punjabi literature and Sufi shrines. He passed away in 1599 in Lahore. Nonetheless, his work is still inspiring his followers at the Urs festival every year.
