Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Oct 10: The narrow streets of Khanyar in Srinagar and Sarai Bala turned deeply devotional on Friday as an ocean of devotees gathered to observe the Friday following Urs Mubarak of the revered saint, Hazrat Sheikh Syed Abdul Qadir Jeelani (RA), popularly known as Dastageer Sahib (RA).
From Khanyar Chowk to Sheeraz Chowk, the air reverberated with cries of devotion as men, women and children sat on prayer mats in front of the grand Dastageer Sahib Shrine, raising their hands in supplication.
Emotions ran high when the holy relic of the saint was displayed, with devotees breaking into tears, their voices trembling with faith and longing.
“I come here every year, but the moment the Moi-e-Muqqadas, (holy relic) is displayed, my heart trembles,” said 65-year-old Ghulam Rasool, his eyes moist.
“It feels as if the saint himself is among us, blessing us all.”
The scene was one of spiritual grandeur as homes near the shrine opened their doors and rooftops for people to catch a glimpse of the relic.
“The entire Khanyar was soaked in faith today,” said a local resident, Fazil. He said, every corner echoed with prayers and people from every age group, from elderly men leaning on sticks to little children sitting on their parents’ laps, were part of this ocean of devotion.
Similar situation was witnessed in Sarai Balai area of Srinagar.
Meanwhile, the shrine’s management committee had made elaborate arrangements for devotees, ensuring smooth movement and uninterrupted prayers. Volunteers distributed drinking water and tea among the gathering, as spiritual hymns and recitations filled the air.
Notably, as the relic was displayed, devotees wailed, some silently wiping tears, others openly crying, a moment that once again reflected Kashmir’s timeless bond with Dastageer Sahib (RA).
“Faith brings us here,” said Fatima, a young woman from Downtown. “No matter how busy life gets, this day pulls us to Khanyar. It is not just a tradition, but it is love, it is connection.”—(KNO)
