Urs of Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA) observed

Srinagar, Jan 5: Thousands of devotees thronged Hazratbal shrine to mark Urs of Khalifa Awal Ameer-ul-Momineen Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA) on Friday.

On the occasion, devotees gathered at the Shrine to have a glimpse of the holy relic of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

Devotees witnessed the display of holy relic after each prayer amid moist eyes and prayers. The shrine administrators said that special sermons focusing on the life of Khalifa Awal were delivered.

“It is the time when we should remind ourselves about the life of Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA) and take inspiration from all the companions of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). We never miss any holy occasion at the Hazratbal Shrine,” said Manzoor Ahmad, a devotee.

The Urs was also observed at Jinab Sahab Soura,Assar-i-Sharief Kalashpora, Kabamarg, and Aham-i-Sharief Bandipora. Special sermons and other religious gatherings were also held in local masjids across Srinagar and other parts of the valley.

Chairperson J&K Waqf Board, Darakhshan Andrabi, said that Waqf had put special arrangements in place to ensure that devotees don’t face any issues. She said that the administration had also ensured that every facility was made available for the occasion.

“Like every other occasion, we try our best to ensure that everything is in place. Earlier, there were complaints about washrooms, and we tried fixing that as well. SMC, Transport, PDD, and Police had put their men and machinery on the ground to ensure that no devotee faced any issue. In future, we will do our best to make the arrangements even better,” Andrabi said

Meanwhile, amid bone-chilling cold, markets around the shrine came to life, with people buying different things to take home. The traders said that such occasions bless them with good business and bring cheers to vendors and shoppers.