LAHORE, April 9: The 960th annual Urs of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh commenced here on Friday night under strict security arrangements following the laying of 'chaddar' at the grave by Punjab Governor Khalid Maqbool.

The area around the shrine was cleared before the arrival of the governor and only invitees were allowed to enter the shrine for the chaddar-laying ceremony. The governor also inaugurated the milk 'sabeel' outside the shrine. Provincial Auqaf Minister Sahibzada Syed Saeedul Hassan Shah was also present.

Closed-circuit cameras have been installed at the five gates of the shrine for surveillance and special guards engaged to maintain law and order during the celebrations. An army of 100 regular guards is assisting them.

Data Sahib's Urs is observed with spiritual zeal inside the shrine and a grand fair extends from the Bhati Chowk to the Minar-i-Pakistan every year. Hundreds of shops are set up in the area for selling food and consumer goods to hundreds of thousands of devotees visiting the shrine to pay homage to the saint. A touring circus is also set up at its camp near the Minar-i-Pakistan.

Many devotees march to the shrine from different parts of the city, holding the four corners of green 'chaddars' and in the company of drummers. People living en route put currency notes or coins on the 'chaddar' as offering.