Nestled among the winding alleys of Lahore lies the resting place of the great mystic Ali Hujwiri, a saint whose spirit still permeates the very air of this ancient city. Known as Data Ganj Bakhsh by his followers, he devoted his life to spreading divine wisdom through music, poetry, and loving kindness. People of all creeds were drawn to his gentle soul and profound understanding of the mysteries of God.
Data Darbaar today hosts its annual Urs, whereby all devotees come to join in on processions in belief of Sufi mystics. The irony, that whilst Karbala Gamay Shah calls all mourners, towards the right of Gamay Shah, the Darbaris present their joyous dhamaal. Although associating with Sufi powers of mysticism to Ali Hujwiri, the core principles of Sufi’ism is obtained from the teachings of Hazrat Ali Ibn Abi Talib (a.s.). On every visit through any shrine in the East, you will find the three names etched on every ceiling, “Allah(SWT), Muhammad(SAW), Ali(a.s)”.
Though Hujwiri’s mortal body may have turned to dust centuries ago, his luminous spirit lives on in the shrine erected over his final resting place. From miles around, devotees are pulled as if by a magical force to the tranquil courtyards, sumptuous mosques, and resplendent buildings of glowing red brick that make up the 20-acre complex.
The melodious songs of qawwali singers echo across the compound, transporting listeners into states of ecstatic bliss. Dervishes swirl in their distinctive red robes, testaments in motion to the mystical currents pulsing through this holy ground. Roses, jasmine and sandalwood perfume the air, their sweet scents a reminder of the Garden of Paradise.
Every Thursday evening, throngs gather at Data Darbar for the dhamaal, an energetic celebration of chanting, drumming, poetry and mystical abandon meant to immerse devotees completely into the Divine Presence. They whirl together as one, invoking Hujwiri’s timeless blessing.
The passion reaches its yearly peak in late monsoon during the ‘Urs festival, when over a million faithful attendees pay tribute through joyous music, dancing, prayer, and the sharing of blessed food. For seven days, a great tapestry of humanity comes together simply to honor the love and wisdom flowing through one man centuries ago, but still powerfully felt today in each breath and gesture of the great shrine that bears his name.
Maria Khuzari – Folk & History at AGC
