Srinagar: The annual Urs of revered Sufi saint, “Sultan-ul-Arifeen” Hazrat Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom (RA), popularly known as Makhdoom Sahib (RA) was observed today with thousands of devotees gathered at the historic Makhdoom Sahib Shrine in Srinagar to mark the
The city wore a different rhythm through the day, as men, women, children and elderly devotees made their way towards the shrine.
The usual bustle of Srinagar’s markets and old-city lanes was joined by groups of devotees heading towards Koh-e-Maran, some with families, some with friends and many elderly devotees who have been making the annual visit for years.
For several families, the Urs is not simply an annual religious gathering but a tradition passed from one generation to another.
“I have been coming here since I was young. Earlier, my father used to bring me. Now I bring my children,” Zahoor Ahmad, a devotee in his 70s, told the KNO.
Another devotee, Mukhtar Khan from Budgam said the annual gathering had become a part of his family’s life. “We wait for this day every year. You meet people here, offer prayers and remember Makhdoom Sahib. It gives you a different kind of peace,” he said.
With prayer beads in their hands and skull caps on their heads, elderly men slowly made their way through the crowds, while children walked alongside their parents and grandparents.
By evening, the area around the shrine had turned into a sea of people, with a steady movement of devotees continuing as prayers, Quranic recitations and supplications filled the air.
The night before had witnessed a Shab Majlis, with devotees staying awake for hours in prayer and remembrance.
It is important to mention that Hazrat Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom (RA), one of Kashmir’s most revered Sufi saints, is remembered for his teachings on spirituality, humility, compassion, morality and service to humanity.
