Srinagar, Nov 19: Hundreds of devotees paid obeisance at Dastgeer Sahib (RA) shrines here on Friday following of the Urs.
The Urs of Hazrat Sheikh Syed Abdul Qadir Jeelani (RA), popularly known as Peer Dastgeer Sahib (RA), concluded on November 17, this year.
A large number of devotees thronged the shrines of Dastgeer Sahib (RA) at Khanyar, Asar Shareif Aanchar Soura, and Sarai Bala, here.
The devotees followed COVID19 safety guidelines. The holy relic was displayed to the devotees after each prayer today.
Despite the bone-chilling cold, a large number of devotees including women and children were seen thronging the shrine to have a glimpse of the holy relic at Khanyar Shrine. All roads and interior roads adjacent to Khanyar shrine were also filled with devotees to offer Friday prayers.
The Urs celebrations had started on November 6 across Kashmir.
Sheikh Saleem, the administrator of the Khanyar shrine, said that over 50,000 devotees thronged the shrine throughout the day. “The highest attendance was witnessed at Friday congregational prayers when the number of devotees was around thirty thousand,” he said.
He added as per the strategy adopted in view of pandemic, devotees were encouraged to spend lesser time at shrine.
“Our strategy was to allow minimum people inside at a time. We are thankful to people for cooperating with us. Hand sanitizers were also kept available for devotees,” he said.
Every year, the Urs begins on 1st day of Rabi Al Thani during which special prayers are held every day till 11th day of Rabi Al Thani. The next Friday is observed as Friday following of Urs. Similar observations were held at Asar Shareif Aanchar Soura, and Sarai Bala.
The congregational prayers were also observed at masjid sharief Dastgeer Sahib (RA) at Nowhamam Sopore where thousands of people gathered to have a glimpse of the holy relics of the Sufi Peer. Authorities had made all necessary arrangements for the convenience of devotees including sanitation, drinking water, street lights and medical first aid, said an official.