983rd Ghusal Mubarak Ceremony Held at Data Ganj Bakhsh Shrine with Religious Devotion

The 983rd annual Ghusal Mubarak ceremony of the shrine of the revered Sufi saint Hazrat Ali Hajveri (RA), popularly known as Data Ganj Bakhsh, was held in Lahore with deep religious devotion and reverence.

Thousands of devotees, religious scholars, and government officials participated in the annual ceremony, where special prayers were offered for the peace, prosperity, and stability of Pakistan. Authorities also implemented comprehensive security arrangements to ensure the event concluded peacefully.

Holy Quran Recitation and Naat Marked the Beginning

The ceremony commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by Naat recitations by renowned Naat Khawans.

As part of the traditional ritual, the shrine was ceremonially washed with rosewater, while Chadar Poshi and the laying of floral wreaths were also performed. Devotees gathered to pay their respects and participate in prayers throughout the event.

Ishaq Dar and Senior Officials Attend Ceremony

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar attended the ceremony alongside Punjab ministers Khawaja Salman Rafique, Bilal Yaseen, Chaudhry Shafay Hussain, and Special Assistant Ali Dar.

Several senior government officials, including Punjab Home Secretary Dr. Ahmad Javed Qazi, Secretary Auqaf Dr. Ehsan Bhutta, Secretary Excise Masood Mukhtar, and Senior Member Board of Revenue Nabeel Javed, were also present.

Tight Security Arrangements for Devotees

Punjab authorities deployed extensive security measures for the annual event.

According to the Punjab Home Department, the shrine's inner and outer premises were monitored through CCTV cameras, while walk-through gates were installed at all entry points. Female police officers were deployed to facilitate women devotees, and parking areas were established away from the shrine to improve crowd management. Rescue 1122 teams, Bomb Disposal Squad personnel, firefighters, ambulances, and medical staff remained on standby throughout the ceremony.

Punjab Food Authority Ensures Food Safety

The Punjab Food Authority also participated in the arrangements by monitoring the distribution of Langar and Sabeel.

Inspection teams were deployed to ensure food quality and hygiene standards for the thousands of devotees visiting Data Darbar during the ceremony.

Spiritual Importance of the Ceremony

Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA) is one of South Asia's most respected Sufi saints, and his shrine in Lahore is among Pakistan's most visited spiritual sites.

The annual Ghusal Mubarak ceremony symbolizes respect and devotion toward the saint's legacy. Every year, thousands of pilgrims from across Pakistan visit the shrine to participate in the religious rituals and offer prayers.

Key Highlights

Conclusion

The 983rd Ghusal Mubarak ceremony at Data Darbar concluded peacefully, bringing together thousands of devotees, religious scholars, and government representatives in a spiritually significant gathering. With extensive security and public facilitation measures in place, the annual event once again reflected the enduring religious and cultural importance of the shrine of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (RA).

Source: 24News