Urs of Dastageer Sahib (RA) observed with religious fervour

Srinagar, Oct 15: The Urs of Hazrat Sheikh Syed Abdul Qadir Jeelani (RA) popularly known as Dastageer Sahib (RA) was observed with religious fervour across Kashmir on Tuesday.

Every year the Urs begins on the 1st day of Rabi Al Thani till the 11th day of Rabi Al Thani, as per the Islamic calendar. Hundreds of devotees thronged the shrine of Dastageer Sahib (RA) at Khanyar area of Downtown where the biggest congregation in Kashmir was held. The shrine was decorated and devotees gathered there from Monday evening for overnight Shab Khawani.

“Dastageer Sahib (RA) is one of the most revered Sufi saints. We ensure to pray at the shrine for well-being and prosperity of people. The atmosphere of religious gatherings amid Zikir-o-Azkaar is worth witnessing and it brings peace to our souls. We pray for the prosperity of the valley and good health for everyone,” said Bashir Ahmad, a devotee.

A large number of people had gathered at the shrine to offer congregational prayers on Tuesday. They also had a glimpse of the holy relic. The markets around the shrine were full of hustle and bustle amid the huge rush of devotees. Amid the rush, the main road outside the shrine was jam-packed with the devotees who had come to have a glimpse of the holy relic.

Officials said the administration had made all the arrangements to facilitate the Urs. They said that all the departments, including the Power Development Department (PDD), Fire and Emergency, SMC, Police, and the Health Department, had made requisite arrangements for the devotees.

“Special sanitation drives were carried out by the SMC around the shrine. The Fire and Emergency had also pressed their men and machinery to ensure that the annual Urs is celebrated without any inconvenience,” an official said.

The officials from Traffic police said that they had also pressed their men and machinery to manage the traffic amid a huge vehicle influx on the eve of Urs.

The Urs celebrations were also observed at Sarai Bala and Rah-Bab Sahib shrines in Srinagar. Night-long prayers were also held in various shrines across Kashmir