Lahore, Pakistan – The Punjab government has announced a public holiday across Lahore district on April 12, 2025, to honor the annual Urs of the iconic Sufi saint Hazrat Shah Hussain. The decision, detailed in a notification from the Services and General Administration Department (Welfare Wing), aligns with the vibrant festivities of Mela Chiraghan, Lahore’s cherished Festival of Lights. This cultural extravaganza celebrates the legacy of the 16th-century mystic poet whose verses continue to resonate through Punjab’s soul.
According to the official statement, the holiday will encompass all sub-offices within Lahore district, offering residents a chance to immerse themselves in the spiritual and artistic fervor of the event. However, the Punjab Civil Secretariat, its attached departments, and regional offices will remain operational, ensuring administrative continuity amid the celebrations.
Mela Chiraghan, held at Shah Hussain’s shrine in Baghbanpura, is a dazzling tribute to Sufi traditions, blending devotion with creativity. The festival transforms the city into a kaleidoscope of lights, music, and poetry, drawing thousands of devotees, artists, and curious travelers. This year’s event promises soul-stirring qawwali performances, recitals of Shah Hussain’s kafis—his signature poetic form—and the lighting of traditional lamps that symbolize enlightenment and unity.
Local historian Dr. Ayesha Siddiqui remarked, “Shah Hussain’s teachings of love and tolerance remain timeless. Mela Chiraghan isn’t just a festival; it’s a celebration of Lahore’s pluralistic spirit.” Vendors are gearing up with stalls offering sweets, flowers, and handmade crafts, while security arrangements are being fortified to ensure a safe experience for all.
For Lahoris, April 12 will be a day to pause, reflect, and revel in their city’s rich heritage. As the shrine glows under a canopy of lamps, Mela Chiraghan will once again prove why it’s a cornerstone of Punjab’s cultural tapestry.
