While exact dates are traditionally linked to the Islamic month of Safar and depend on moon sighting in Pakistan, preparations at the shrine and across Lahore follow a familiar pattern rooted in history, devotion, and public coordination.
Who Was Hazrat Ali Hujwiri (RA)?
Hazrat Ali bin Usman Hajveri, known by the honorific Data Ganj Bakhsh, was born in Ghazni (present-day Afghanistan) around 990 AD. He was among the earliest and most influential Sufi scholars to spread Islamic teachings in the subcontinent. His life was marked by scholarship, spiritual discipline, and deep concern for social ethics.
He passed away in Lahore in 1072 AD, where his shrine later became one of the most visited Sufi centers in South Asia. His famous work Kashf-ul-Mahjoob remains a foundational text in Sufi literature, studied for its clarity on spiritual practice and inner purification.
Why Is the Urs of Data Ganj Bakhsh So Important?
In Islamic tradition, Urs marks the death anniversary of a Sufi saint, viewed not as a loss but as a union with Allah. The Urs of Data Ganj Bakhsh holds special importance because of his role in shaping spiritual life in Punjab and beyond.
For many visitors, this Urs is not just a religious gathering. It is a reminder of humility, service to humanity, and peaceful coexistence. Families, students, laborers, and elders all attend, often returning year after year as part of a personal spiritual routine.
Expected Dates for Data Ganj Bakhsh Urs Mubarak 2026
Traditionally, the Urs spans three days, usually observed between 18th and 20th Safar. In previous years, this has often fallen around mid to late August, but the final dates for 2026 will only be confirmed after moon sighting by relevant authorities in Pakistan.
Visitors are advised not to rely on fixed Gregorian dates too early. Official announcements from Auqaf Department Punjab and local administration usually clarify the schedule closer to the event.
What Happens During the Three Days of Urs?
The Urs follows a structured yet spiritually rich routine:
Collective prayers and Quran recitation throughout the day
Mehfil-e-Naat and Qawwali gatherings in the evenings
Langar distribution for all visitors without distinction
Special night prayers on the final day
Ikhtitami Dua offered after Zuhr prayer on the concluding day
Milk sabeel is another long-standing tradition. Local traders and volunteers arrange free milk distribution, symbolizing generosity and service.
Security and Public Arrangements in Lahore
Each year, the Punjab government, Lahore administration, and Auqaf Department coordinate to manage the large crowds. Measures typically include controlled entry points, police deployment, medical camps, and traffic diversions around the shrine area.
In recent years, emphasis has increased on safety, crowd management, and emergency response. Visitors are encouraged to follow official instructions and avoid peak hours if possible.
Cultural and Social Impact of the Urs
Beyond its religious meaning, the Urs has a deep social dimension. It brings together people from different provinces, backgrounds, and schools of thought. For many small vendors and local workers, the event also supports temporary livelihoods.
Importantly, the Urs reflects a softer, inclusive image of Islam rooted in compassion and service rather than division. This is one reason why Data Darbar continues to hold relevance even in modern urban Lahore.
Important Note About Dates and Updates
It is important to understand that Urs dates can change based on lunar observations. Any date circulating far in advance should be treated as tentative, not final. Biseworld.com updates such content responsibly once official confirmations are made.
Readers planning travel or group visits should wait for formal announcements from local authorities or the Auqaf Department.
Visiting Data Darbar During Urs: What to Keep in Mind
Dress modestly and respectfully
Follow security checks patiently
Avoid bringing unnecessary valuables
Respect prayer timings and restricted areas
Families with elderly members or children should plan visits during daytime hours to avoid congestion.
A Living Spiritual Legacy
More than nine centuries after his passing, Hazrat Ali Hujwiri’s presence continues to shape Lahore’s spiritual identity. The Urs is not about spectacle. It is about remembrance, humility, and shared humanity.
As Data Ganj Bakhsh Urs Mubarak 2026 approaches, the focus remains the same as it always has been: devotion over display, service over status, and faith expressed through action.
Data Ganj Bakhsh Uras’ date is 12th August 2025 Thursday. Exceptional Collaborator to Punjab Boss Priest on Auqaf Syed Rafaqat Ali Gilani will introduce the occasion by laying a flower wreath at the catacomb of the tenth-century holy person who was among the trailblazers of teaching Islam in the sub-landmass, especially in Punjab.
Zeshan Akram is a senior social and educational content analyst with a Master’s degree in Sociology. He specializes in Islamic topics, public schemes, and prices, explaining policies with cultural context and verified public information.