LAHORE, April 10: The 960th annual Urs of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh (bestower of spiritual treasure) has brought together a motley crew to the undisputed centre of spirituality.

Thousands of people from the length and breadth of the country, irrespective of caste and colour, have flocked to pay homage to the patron saint of Lahore, who led a life of complete self-denial and service and established the Kingdom of God. Few are the spots in the city as frequented as the shrine of Hazrat Data Sahib.

The devotees visit the shrine with high expectations and firm belief in the spiritual prowess God has bestowed on the saint. The visitors include waifs and strays, ailing people and mendicants. Quite good in number are those who have found a permanent abode at the shrine to quench their spiritual thirst.

Sagheer Ahmad, a resident of Shahkot, told Dawn that he had specially come here for the Urs. He said he had been staying here for a week or so and had found arrangements adequate.

He said he had a staunch faith in the spiritual stature of Data Sahib, who could rid him of his worries.

Among the devotees were the two young businessmen of Lohari, who said they daily offered their Fajr prayers at the Darbar mosque. "It gives us tranquillity and peace of mind," they added.

They said they witnessed people coming here from far-off places and they could be easily distinguished from their dialects.

Sharing his opinion, Ahmad Raza of Faisalabad claimed it was a dream come true for him to be in the company of a great seer. Facing a great deal of domestic worries, he said he had presented his case before Data for which he had specially come to Lahore.

Ahmad said he believed that Data Sahib could help the ailing and oppressed, quoting: "A wali (saint) can change one's destiny in the blink of an eye by the grace of Allah Almighty."

Scores of men and women anoint themselves as a part of their faith by surrounding a chiragh and burning oil in clay lamps. They believe that the oil is a special gift of the saint that can rid themselves of all diseases.

The provincial auqaf department has made elaborate arrangements to facilitate the devotees and provide them security. Closed-circuit cameras have been installed at the Data Darbar Complex to detect any untoward happening. Besides, there are several emergency service booths.

In addition to Quran Khwani, special prayers and mahafil, the department has made special arrangements for the gathering of religious scholars. They highlighted various aspects of the life and teachings of Hazrat Data Ganj Bakhsh, whose largesse and generosity are beyond measure.

They said: "We are here not because of our efforts or wishes, but by the love and hospitality of the great saint."

They particularly made a mention of Kashful Mahjoob, which is reckoned as a treasure of spiritual knowledge. "The book contains a world of spiritual precepts and serves as a murshad (mentor) to one wishing to launch on the path to spirituality."

The speakers concluded by recalling the traits of Data Sahib, who mortified sensual pleasures and worldly gains for the cause of truth.