There are men in thousands, malangs with wild eyes and unkempt look and others distinctly urban, all there to seek the blessings of Madhu Lal Hussain.

These men have travelled from across Punjab, "for today Madhu Lal Hussain will shower us with the choicest blessings," says one.

"He will reward us for our pain," joins in another one, "He will not refuse his blessings to anyone today".

Popularly referred to as Mela Chiraghaan, the festival of lights, this year the three-day urs held in Lahore’s Baghbanpura area generated an exceptional atmosphere; perhaps like never before. "We feel all the more invigorated because of the state of affairs. We want to forget the killings, the intolerance, and let go of ourselves for the love of the saint," says a devotee.

As always, the crowd gathered around a huge fire, alao, feeding it with oil, candles and diyas in total devotion. Tabarruk (benediction) of chicken parathas, halwas, chai and more was distributed in abundance, and with remarkable warmth and hospitality.

But more than the show of light and the expression of reverence, it was perhaps the sound of dhol that made the atmosphere enchanting. However, one missed the rendition of Shah Hussain’s kaafi in Punjabi poetry -- to lift the devotees in a state of ecstasy. One walked away from the shrine with a hope to hear kaafi the next time!

Photos and text by Rahat Dar