Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Oct 15: The spiritual heart of Srinagar beat with devotion on Tuesday as a sea of devotees gathered to observe the Urs of Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jeelani (RA) at his revered shrine in Khanyar, Srinagar.
People from across the valley made their way through congested roads, with heavy traffic seen from DalGate to Khanyar as they came to witness the unveiling of the holy relic and participate in the sacred rituals of the night.
According to reports, from Dalgate to Khayam and Khayam to Khanyar, pilgrims flocked in large numbers, suffering long hours of travel and braving the jam-packed streets.
As the holy relic was displayed, the emotion was electrifying. Devotees raised their hands in prayer, seeking forgiveness from the Almighty.
Despite the hustle, there was a sense of peace among the attendees, united by their shared faith. Many came from far-flung areas, as their devotion reflected in their eyes to be part of this annual gathering.
Shabir Ahmad, a local from downtown Srinagar said, “I have been coming here for years and every time it feels like a new blessing. The moment I lay my eyes on the holy relic, I feel a surge of peace. This is not just about tradition, but about connecting with something higher.”
Meanwhile, the night-long prayers yesterday (Monday) filled the air with recitations and hymns from the holy Quran.
Fatima, who had travelled all the way from Kupwara, shared her feelings, saying she had been waiting since morning, and when the relic was finally displayed, she couldn’t hold back her tears. “It felt like a prayer answered, a divine moment that touched my soul,” she said.
Ghulam Rasool, an elderly man from Pulwama, said his parents used to bring him to Khanyar when he was a child, and now, he brings his own children. “This connection with Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jeelani (RA) is eternal and a bond that strengthens my faith and brings me here,” he said.
Meanwhile, despite the traffic and crowds, there was a sense of calm and unity in Khanyar today, with devotees showing patience and determination.
“The roads were packed, but no one was angry or frustrated. Everyone knew why they were here, and it was for something far more important than just the physical struggle,” said Mohammad Yousuf, a resident of Budgam, while waiting in a long line of traffic at Khayam, Srinagar.
Notably, the night-long prayers culminated this morning with muezzin’s calling for Morning (Fajr) prayer and, with the faithful bowing their heads in deep devotion, while the atmosphere was heavy with spiritual energy as voices joined in praise of the great Sufi saint.
