Srinagar, Aug 8: All roads lead towards Koh-e-Maran on Saturday as thousands of devotees gathered at the historic Makhdoom Sahib Shrine in Srinagar to mark the Urs Mubarak of revered Sufi saint, “Sultan-ul-Arifeen” Hazrat Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom (RA), popularly known as Makhdoom Sahib (RA).
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, said.
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.
Some stopped along the way to rest before continuing towards the shrine, while others sat quietly in corners, reciting prayers.
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. The spiritual atmosphere continued through the day as people offered special prayers and sought blessings at the revered shrine.
“For us, this is not just about coming to the shrine for one day. This is something we have seen our elders doing, and we want our children to know the same tradition,” Mannan, a young devotee from Habba Kadal, Srinagar, said.
For many, the Urs is not simply a date on the religious calendar. It is a return to memories and a return to the place where they came with their parents as children and where many now bring their own children.
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.
Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq paid tributes to Hazrat Makhdoom Sahib (RA), saying the saint dedicated his life to the spiritual and moral transformation of the people.
“Hazrat Makhdoom Sahib (RA) played an important role in spreading the message of Islamic teachings, humanity, morality, compassion and a righteous way of life,” he said.
Mirwaiz urged people to follow the teachings and character of the revered saint and contribute towards building a society based on welfare, mutual cooperation and moral values. (KNO)
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