Jhoolay Laal!

Having heard so much about the Urs of Hazrat Ali Hajveri and the legendary blessings that the saint has had upon the city of Lahore, some kind people took me to see for myself what I had been talking so much about on the news. (Photo Courtesy: WR)

Trance seemed to descend upon the people, the buildings, the streets and the incense ( agarbatti) laden air as I with a couple of friends tried to make our way towards where our hosts were. The Urs of Data Ganj Baksh is in full swing in Lahore and we decided to visit it. More people were expected the next day on the ocassion of Chelum of Hazrat Imam.

Followers entering Data Darbar for Urs under tight security

A good job with the illumination

This evening though the worst fears have come to life. Two suicide attacks , one in Urdu Bazaar Lahore and one in Malir Karachi have devastated more families by taking atleast 13 lives uptill now. Expressing grief is beyond words and the manner in which people being killed in the name of religion simply deplorable and deceptive.

Beyond!

A view of the Shrine from the rooftop

Security last night at Data Darbar was no doubt tight. Thorough body searches plus walk through gates put in place at least at three points before one could reach near the tastefully illuminated shrine.

Abundance! Cooks delivered their best recipes of Halwa and Naan as a respect to Data

Peace and brotherhood- the actual message of Islam was making the followers present merry as ever . Hi on the pleasure of simply being in a vicinity where there were no divisions between a beggar or the elite, all helping themselves to food arranged by anyone for everyone. That's how naan and halwa and sweet rice and tea lasts all night, as the junta did the dhamaal ( dancing to drum beat) oozing tranquility.

With my hosts outside their Dera in Bilal Gunj area

Hypnotic!

The dhole performance I attended was that of Goonga Sayeen. It was breathtaking and the beat contagious. They donot charge any fee for performing at Data Sahib or any other Urs. Its what people give to them at their will..for they believe its all to celebrate the ultimate union of their Data with his beloved Allah. That's the concept behind celebrating Urs, my hosts told me.

Dhole and Dhamaal !Goonga Sayeen amid an ecstatic crowd

Dum Ghutkoo!

Trance and the works

Fans taking photos with Goonga Sayeen

Many might not be able to relate to the concept of Urs but these huge gatherings do point out that there is a great common between so many beings that makes them converge . Yet questions remain as to why the divides so stark that elements donot hesitate to take lives.

The climax subsiding at day break at the adjacent bazaar