976th annual urs of Data Gunj Bakhsh begins in city.

LAHORE -- The 976th annual three-day Urs celebrations of Hazrat Ali Bin Usman Alhajveri, popularly known as Data Gunj Bakhsh, began at his shrine here on Friday.

Punjab Minister for Housing Mehmood-ur-Rasheed inaugurated the Urs celebrations while performing traditional chador-laying on the grave of the great Sufi saint. Chairman Data Darbar Religious Affairs Committee MPA Nazir Chohan, MPA Sumsam Bokhari and other Auqaf officers were also present on the occasion.

Later, the provincial minister launched the book titled Darul Salkeen of DG Auqaf Tahir Raza Bokhari. After that, a milk sabeel was also inaugurated.

Official sources said the Punjab Auqaf Department had allocated Rs 10 million for holding the Urs celebrations and lunger in best manner.

About 500 Mashaikh, religious scholars and Na'at Khawans had been invited for spiritual Mahafils during the Urs. As many as 200 spiritual leaders from Pakistan and India will participate in the Urs celebrations.

Regarding foolproof security arrangements, the minister said 103 closed-circuit...