The 971st Urs celebrations of Syed Ali Hajveri, commonly known as Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA), commenced in Lahore on Thursday.
Finance Minister Senator Ishaq Dar attended inaugural ceremony of the three-day long celebrations by laying a floral wreath at the shrine of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh and offering dua for the well-being of Pakistan. He also inaugurated the traditional milk sabeel. Punjab Minister for Auqaf and Religious Affairs Ata Muhammad Manika, Punjab Food Minister Bilal Yasee and senior officials of Auqaf Department were also present.
Speaking on the occasion, Dar said, “Our success lies in following the teachings of the Sufi saints who played a great role in spreading Islam in the subcontinent.” Thousands of devotees from all over the country are participating in the celebrations with traditional zeal and fervour. Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh, the highly revered saint of the sub-continent was born at Hajver, a town in Afghanistan, in 1000 AD (400 Hijri).
