Data Darbar, Lahore

Who was Data Ganj Bakhsh?

Hazrat Ali bin Usman Hujwiri (also written Hajveri) was born in Ghazni, in present-day Afghanistan, and died in Lahore in 1072 AD. Lahoris call him Data Sahib and see him as the city’s patron saint.

Before settling in Lahore he travelled widely, through the Ghaznavid lands and on to Baghdad, Nishapur and Damascus, meeting the leading Sufis of his time. He was trained in Hanafi law. Through his teacher Abu al-Fazl al-Khuttali his spiritual chain links back to Junayd of Baghdad.

The Auqaf department says Data Darbar is Pakistan’s largest shrine, both by complex size and by the number of visitors each year.

The annual Urs

The Urs (death anniversary) of Data Ganj Bakhsh is held over three days in the Islamic month of Safar, on 18 to 20 Safar. Because the Islamic calendar is lunar, the English date moves about 11 days earlier every year.

At the 2026 Urs, Auqaf reported more than two million visitors over three days. Temporary langar kitchens inside the complex served free meals, and a milk sabeel handed out thousands of litres of fresh milk under Punjab Food Authority checks. Expect very heavy crowds and road closures around the shrine during the Urs.

Location and getting there

The shrine stands in the old city, close to Bhati Gate, Lower Mall and Gawalmandi. The nearest Metro Bus stop is Bhatti Chowk.

1. By Metro Bus. Get off at Bhatti Chowk; the shrine is a short walk away. See our Metro Bus guide.
2. By car or rickshaw. Ask for “Data Darbar” or “Data Sahib”. Traffic is slow in the surrounding bazaars, especially on Thursday evenings.
3. Combine it with the old city. Bhati Gate is one of the gates of the Walled City, and Badshahi Mosque and Lahore Fort are a short ride away.

Construction work: the Punjab government has been expanding and renovating the shrine. In July 2026 the shrine administrator said outside works were nearly done and inside work was moving quickly. In August 2026 officials said the remaining works would be finished within two months, with better visitor movement, cleanliness, security and parking. Some areas may still be screened off.

Auqaf department office (not the shrine itself): Aiwan-e-Auqaf, Shah Chiragh Building, The Mall, Lahore. Phone 042 99210872.

Visiting etiquette

Data Darbar is a working place of worship, open to everyone. A few simple habits help you visit with respect.