The Punjab government has announced a local holiday in Lahore district on Tuesday, August 4, to mark the 983rd annual Urs of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA).
According to a notification issued Monday by the Punjab Services and General Administration Department, a local public holiday will be observed across Lahore district on August 4, 2026, in connection with the 983rd Annual Urs Mubarak of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA).
The notification said the holiday will apply only to district-level and subordinate offices located within Lahore district.
However, it said the holiday will not apply to the Punjab Civil Secretariat, its attached departments or regional offices.
The department also directed the relevant authorities to ensure the notification is implemented.
Meanwhile, Lahore police remained on high alert as the second day of the 983rd annual Urs of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA) continued, with thousands of devotees visiting the Data Darbar shrine from across the country.
Lahore Capital City Police Officer Bilal Siddique Kamyana said extensive security arrangements have been put in place at the shrine. He said walk-through gates, metal detectors and electronic barriers are being used to ensure the safety of visitors.
The police chief directed officers to pay special attention to the safety of women and children visiting the shrine. He also instructed senior police officials to remain in close coordination with the shrine administration and event organizers throughout the celebrations.
He also directed traffic police to ensure the smooth flow of traffic around the Data Darbar complex during the Urs.
The CCPO said security will remain on high alert at all entry and exit points across Lahore. He also instructed police to continue search and combing operations throughout the city in view of the Urs celebrations and the upcoming Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA).
