The Punjab government has officially announced a public holiday in Lahore on April 12, 2025, in connection with the annual Mela Chiraghan, also known as the Festival of Lights. This much-awaited festival, celebrated during the Mela Chiraghan holiday in Lahore, is held every year to commemorate the Urs of Hazrat Shah Hussain, a renowned 16th-century Sufi poet and saint. The vibrant celebration takes place at his historic shrine located near Shalimar Gardens.
What is Mela Chiraghan and Why Is It Celebrated?
Mela Chiraghan in Lahore is a centuries-old cultural and spiritual event that draws thousands of devotees, Sufi followers, and tourists. The festival, central to the Mela Chiraghan holiday in Lahore, honors Hazrat Shah Hussain, whose poetry and teachings have profoundly shaped Punjabi literature and Sufi thought. His Urs is marked by three days of lively celebrations, featuring Sufi music, poetry recitations, qawwalis, and traditional rituals that reflect Lahore’s rich heritage.
Public Holiday Announced in Lahore
To ensure smooth festivities during the Mela Chiraghan holiday in Lahore, the Punjab government has declared April 12, 2025, as a public holiday across the city. However, the Punjab Civil Secretariat and its affiliated departments will remain operational, while the holiday applies to all sub-offices within the Lahore district.
The Festival of Lights Lahore 2025 will attract visitors from across Punjab and Pakistan. During the Mela Chiraghan holiday in Lahore, the shrine near Shalimar Gardens will be beautifully illuminated, with people gathering to offer prayers, light candles, and participate in spiritual gatherings filled with Sufi kalam and dhamaal.
If you’re in Lahore this April, don’t miss the Mela Chiraghan celebrations. It’s more than just a festival — it’s a spiritual and cultural experience that embodies Lahore’s deep-rooted Sufi traditions. With the Mela Chiraghan holiday in Lahore on April 12, it’s the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the magic of this age-old tradition.
