ALL EYES ON SKY: Prolonged dry spell revives Srinagar’s ancient traditions, prayers for precipitation
Srinagar, Jan 21: With parts of Kashmir facing a prolonged dry spell in the peak winter period, people have turned to ancient traditions and prayers for snowfall and rain.
Today, hundreds of people gathered outside the Dastageer Sahib (RA) shrine at Khanyar area of Downtown to prepare and distribute Sasras, a traditional meal cooked in large vessels, usually of rice and other staples, over wood fire. Sasras is shared freely with the needy, children, and residents alike, reflecting an age-old custom anchored in faith and collective spirit during times of environmental hardship.
“This is a time when nature is testing us. We all pitched in for preparing Sasras today. It is not just about a meal, it’s our way of standing together and seeking mercy from a prolonged dry spell,” said a local shopkeeper.
Elders say Sasras isn’t restricted to dry spells alone. "Over decades, we have done this in drought, floods, or any natural calamity. This charity and coming together acts like a shield against all kinds of hardship,” said Ghulam Nabi Rather, an octogenarian from Hazratbal outskirts looking towards the sky.
Locals said that these traditions have been amplified by the stark winter in Kashmir, where sunny days in January and receding waters of the Jhelum have become a matter of In response, locals said special congregational prayers Salat-ul-Istisqa have been held in Srinagar and other towns.
Salatul Istisqa is an Islamic prayer seeking rain from Allah, performed especially during droughts or water scarcity. Historically rooted in the practice of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), the prayer in congregation is followed by supplications.
Earlier this month, worshippers gathered at the historic Jamia Masjid in downtown Srinagar for special prayers to end the dry spell. In contrast, similar prayers were offered in Bemina led by noted Islamic scholar Maulana Mushtaq Ahmad Veeri.
“The earth is thirsty, and so are our hearts. We pray not just with our lips but with hope that Allah’s mercy will bring rain and snow,” a Farooq Ahmad, a devotee at Downtown’s Dastageer Sahab shrine, said.
Kashmir’s elders also lament the changes in winters over the years. “In my youth, snow fell regularly; winters were white and predictable. Now these dry spells linger. We must take care of our environment and hold our faith close,” said another local.
While talking to Greater Kashmir, Grand Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam said it was unfortunate that Kashmir was facing a prolonged dry spell and stressed that special prayers and charity had always been central to Islamic teachings.
“Islam has, from the very beginning, taught us to preserve the environment, to protect trees, care for animals, and safeguard flora and fauna. Over the past decade, society has drifted away from moral values. We now see children beating parents and youngsters involved in antisocial activities, which are completely against Islamic teachings,” he said.
He said environmental damage had worsened the situation. “We have destroyed wetlands and harmed our environment. Scholars, citizens, and people across faiths must come together to preserve nature and revive moral education in society,” he added.
