Lahore residents are set to enjoy back-to-back days off this week, following announcements from local authorities. The district administration has declared Friday, August 15, a public holiday in observance of the annual Urs of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA). All government offices, schools, and public departments in Lahore will remain closed on the day, according to the official notification.
The Urs, honoring Hazrat Ali Hajveri (Data Sahib), attracts thousands of pilgrims from across Pakistan who come to pay their respects at the historic Data Darbar. This holiday conveniently follows Independence Day on August 14, giving residents a rare two-day weekend.
Similar holiday arrangements have been made in other parts of the country. Last week, the Sindh Education Department announced that August 15 would be a holiday for public and private schools, marking the Chehlum of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA)—a solemn occasion observed by millions of Muslims worldwide.
Meanwhile, the Islamabad district administration declared August 13 as a local holiday within the federal capital’s revenue limits. The announcement was made by ICT District Magistrate Irfan Nawaz Memon, reflecting the city’s tradition of marking significant religious events with localized holidays.
With these observances, much of Pakistan will see a pause in regular routines, allowing citizens time for religious reflection and family gatherings.
