Every spring, as the cool breeze brushes past the historic Shalimar Gardens in Lahore, the city begins to glow not just with lights, but with love, poetry, and devotion. This glow is called Mela Chiraghan (ميلہ چراغاں), meaning Festival of Lights, a multi-day spiritual celebration in honor of the legendary Punjabi Sufi saint and poet Shah Hussain.
If you’ve ever wanted to witness the soul of Lahore, this is it.
A Tribute to Shah Hussain – The Poet of Love
Shah Hussain (1538–1599), also known as Madho Lal Hussain, was no ordinary poet. His verses are soaked in divine love, rebellion against societal norms, and the deep mystical quest for unity with the Creator. His poetry lives on through Kafis, often sung during qawwali and Sufi gatherings.
Each year, on his urs (death anniversary), devotees gather at his shrine in Baghbanpura, near the iconic Shalimar Gardens, to celebrate not with mourning, but with music, dance, and light.
What Happens at Mela Chiraghan?
The atmosphere is electric yet soulful. Here’s what you can expect:
- Thousands of oil lamps (chiraghan) light up the shrine and surrounding streets, symbolizing spiritual enlightenment
- Qawwali sessions, echoing with the poetry of Shah Hussain, go on late into the night
- Devotees perform Dhamaal, a spiritual trance dance, to lose themselves in divine remembrance
- A bazaar pops up with colorful stalls offering everything from traditional food to handicrafts and spiritual books
- Sufi followers, musicians, poets, and curious travelers come together, blurring the lines between religion, culture, and art
2025 Revival by the Punjab Government & WCLA
After decades of scaled-down celebrations, Mela Chiraghan made a powerful return in 2025 thanks to the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) and the Punjab Government.
Highlights:
- A 4-day government-organized festival (April 11 to 14, 2025) at Shalimar Gardens and the shrine of Madho Lal Hussain
- Ticketed entry at Rs. 200 per person (for families)
- Morning sessions (11 am to 12 pm) featuring:
- Sufi & folk music from Punjabi legends like Liaqat Parkoi, Taj Mastani, and Shokat Faqir
- Cultural troupes from Mastolki Dera, Lajpal Qalandar Dera, Khawaja Ghulam Fareed Dera, and Madho Lal Hussain Dera
- Evening main stage entertainment:
- Fire shows, jugglers, and folk musicians at 7:30 pm
- Renowned performers like Arif Lohar, Akhtar Chanal Zahri, Tehseen Sakina, and Jholay Laal between 8:30 pm and 10:30 pm
- Food & craft stalls showcasing local cuisine, handmade goods, and Sufi literature
Schedule
📌 Location: Shalimar Gardens, Lahore
📅 Dates: April 11 to 14, 2025
🎟️ Entry Fee: Rs. 200 (families only)
🎤 Organized By: WCLA in collaboration with Punjab Government
This revival wasn’t just a celebration. It was a statement. Punjab’s cultural soul is alive and glowing brighter than ever.
The Flavors of Punjab
No mela in Punjab is complete without food. From sizzling pakoras and halwa puri to lassi and tandoori chai, the festival is a sensory explosion. The aroma of street food, the beat of the dhol, and the warm smiles of the crowd create a feeling that words can’t fully capture.
Why You Should Experience It
Mela Chiraghan isn’t just an event. It’s a living poem. It’s Lahore at its most authentic, where history meets mysticism, and where you don’t just witness a festival. You feel it in your heart.
Whether you’re a cultural traveler, a spiritual seeker, or simply someone curious about the hidden gems of Pakistan, Mela Chiraghan is a must-see.
Plan Your Visit with Chalain.pk
At Chalain.pk, we offer customized cultural tours to Lahore and other historical sites across Pakistan. If you’re planning a trip during April or spring, let us help you experience Mela Chiraghan with guided visits, transport, hotel stays, and insider access to the spiritual side of Lahore.
📞 Contact us today or message us on WhatsApp at +92-300-106-2070 to plan your cultural adventure.
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