LAHORE: The three-day Mela Chiraghan (festival of lights) began with traditional zeal at the shrine of Madhu Lal Hussian at Baghbanpura on Saturday.

A number of devotees from all over the country attended the first day of the annual Urs celebrations of subcontinent’s famous saint Shah Hussain. The day’s proceedings began with ‘Rasm-i-chadarposhi’ at the shrine around 11am by Religious Affairs Director General Tahir Raza Bokhari.

Speaking to Dawn, Mr Bokhari said thousands of people are expected to visit the shrine which would have traditional rituals and devotional activities during three days.

Security arrangements have been made for the festival and according to SP Ibadat Nisar, there are three layers of security for the festival along with deputation of Quick Response Force. He said two SPs, four DSPs and six SHOs had been deputed to ensure security of the event, where walk-through gates had also been installed.

The devotees showered rose petals on the shrine of Shah Hussain and Madhu Lal and performed dhamal to the beat of drums. Many lit candles as a ritual for fulfillment of their wishes and distributed sweets and other food items. Fire torching and lighting candles are an integral part of the event.

This festival has great significance in Lahore’s history and during the three days food stalls do a roaring business. Qawwali and na’at recitals are another major attraction for devotees. For children, swings and merry-go-round are installed and the festival will also feature cultural show, puppet show and magic show on a daily basis.

PILAC: The Punjab Institute of Language, Art and Culture plans to hold festivities in connection with Mela Chiraghan from April 6 to 8.

The inaugural day of the festival will be dedicated to the ‘kalam’ of Shah Hussain. There will be an All-Pakistan Poetry sitting on 7th and Shah Hussain conference on 8th. A poetic play ‘Kahay Shah Hussain’ will be staged the same evening after the conference.

Published in Dawn, March 26th, 2017