Srinagar, Nov 17: The annual Urs of Sufi saint Hazrat Sheikh Syed Abdul Qadir Jeelani (RA), popularly known as Peer Dastgeer Sahib (RA), concluded today.
On the occasion, the Khanyar market wore a festive look. Shopkeepers had announced special discounts on various products. The other adjacent markets were also decorated.
A large number of devotees, following COVID19 safety guidelines, thronged the shrines of Dastgeer Sahib (RA) at Khanyar, Asar Sharief Aanchar Soura, and Sarai Bala.
“The biggest congregation was held at Khanyar shrine where over 25,000 people had a glimpse of the holy relic,” said a Wakf Board official.
He added this year, no nightlong prayers were held. “However, on Wednesday, the devotees thronged the shrines throughout,” the official said.
All roads and interior roads adjacent to Khanyar shrine were also filled with devotees to offer congregational prayers. The Urs celebrations had started on November 6 across Kashmir.
“Due to COVID19, we had decided to not hold nightlong prayers. The Urs was observed with religious fervor. Over 25,000 people thronged the shrine throughout the day. The largest attendance was witnessed at Zuhr (afternoon) prayers,” Sheikh Saleem, administrator of the shrine told Greater Kashmir.
He added that the lines of devotees standing for offering prayers stretched upto main Chowk of Khanyar. “The holy relic was displayed after every prayer. Speakers also threw light on the life of Dastgeer Sahib (RA) and urged upon Muslims to follow commandments of Allah,” he said.
He said that in view of Coronavirus threat Wakf Board took this decision to encourage devotes to spent lesser time at shrine in view of pandemic.
“Our strategy was to allow minimum people inside at a time. We are thankful to people for cooperating with us. Free face masks were also distributed among devotees,” he said.
“The holy relic will also be displayed to devotees on November 18 and Friday following,” he informed.
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 revered saint.