Arshad Farooq
Baramulla Oct 4: The revered shrine of Hazrat Syed Janbaz Wali (RA) in Baramulla witnessed a massive gathering of devotees from across the Kashmir Valley on Friday, as thousands arrived to commemorate the 606th annual Urs of the saint.
The event, marked with deep devotion and religious fervor, saw men, women, and children from various regions gather to pay their respects.
Devotees began arriving early for the Friday prayers, seeking a glimpse of the holy relics, or “Tubrookat,” of the saint.
The relics will be displayed after each prayer throughout the day, with the faithful offering prayers for the peace, prosperity, and well-being of Kashmir and the wider Muslim world.
Khursheed Ahmad Shah, the Mutwali (caretaker) of the shrine, expressed gratitude for the strong turnout, noting the significance of the occasion. “The 606th Urs of Hazrat Syed Janbaz Wali (RA) is being observed with immense devotion. Thousands of people from Baramulla and beyond have come to seek Allah’s blessings in this sacred space,” Shah said .
For centuries, the shrine of Hazrat Syed Janbaz Wali (RA) has stood as a symbol of Islamic culture and spirituality in Kashmir. The Sufi saint is remembered for promoting religious tolerance, justice, and equality, and for spreading the teachings of the Quran and Prophet Muhammad (SAW). A local devotee commented, “The saint’s teachings of love, peace, and humanity remain relevant to this day. His message of harmony continues to inspire generations.”
The streets surrounding the shrine were adorned with traditional decorations and lit with “Zool,” tiny electrical bulbs that gave the area a festive atmosphere. Islamic scholars delivered sermons on the occasion, emphasizing the teachings of the Holy Quran and the values of peace and compassion that saints like Syed Janbaz Wali (RA) propagated.
Throughout the day, devotees will engage in the recitation of Quranic verses, praying for the prosperity of Jammu and Kashmir. Special arrangements were made by the shrine’s administration to ensure smooth proceedings, and they thanked the local authorities for their support in making the event successful.
Hazrat Syed Janbaz Wali (RA), a renowned Sufi scholar, arrived in Kashmir from Iran over six centuries ago. He chose Baramulla as the center of his mission in 1421 AD, spreading the message of Islam and the virtues of love and humanity. His shrine remains a spiritual destination, drawing pilgrims from across Kashmir each year.
