Hundreds throng Dastgeer Sahab Shrine in Srinagar for night long prayers on Urs eve

at 9:45 pm
Dastgeer Sahib shrine at Khanyar in Srinagar, Kashmir

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Oct 14 (NVI): The streets of Khanyar area of Srinagar have come alive with activity, as devotees, both locals and pilgrims, gather for the annual Urs of Hazrat Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jeelani (RA).

The night-long prayers, which began tonight at the Dastgeer Sahab Shrine, have drawn crowds from across the valley, united in their faith and reverence for the Sufi saint.

With the official Urs celebration set for tomorrow, the shrine is already immersed in spiritual devotion. Stalls lining the streets sell sweets and devotional items, while the air buzzes with the excitement of those who have made the pilgrimage to this sacred site.

“I come here every year, and it always fills me with a sense of peace,” said Shakeela, a pilgrim from Baramulla. “The prayers, the shrine’s atmosphere—it’s an experience that connects me deeply to my faith.”

Preparations for the Urs have been extensive, with the shrine’s administration ensuring that all arrangements are in place for the comfort of the attendees. “We’ve coordinated with various departments to make sure everything runs smoothly, from basic facilities to crowd management,” an official from the shrine said.

Tonight’s prayers are set to last through the night, with worshippers asking for blessings and spiritual guidance. For many, the Urs is not just a religious observance but a cherished tradition passed down through generations.

As the night progresses, the shrine will continue to echo with prayers, and tomorrow’s official Urs is expected to draw even more devotees. Bashir Ahmad, a resident of Bemina, shared his thoughts on the event. “This is something I’ve been attending since I was a child, and now I bring my children here. It’s a part of who we are.”

For those in attendance, the Urs of Hazrat Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jeelani (RA) offers an opportunity for reflection, prayer, and a deep connection to the saint’s teachings. As night turns to day, the faithful will remain immersed in devotion, seeking blessings for themselves and their families.           (News Vibes of India)