Urs Dastgeer Sahab (RA): All roads lead to revered shrine at Srinagar’s Khanyar

Thousands participate in night-long prayers, emotional scenes as holy relic of Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jeelani (RA) displayed after Friday congregational prayers

A huge display of faith and devotion was seen at the historic shrine of Hazrat Sheikh Syed Abdur Qadir Jeelani popularly known as Dastgeer Sahab (RA) at his shrine in Srinagar’s Khanyar area on Friday as thousands of people including elderly and women paid obeisance at the shrine to seek blessings.

The men of all ages besides women and children gathered at the revered shrine of Dastgeer Sahab (RA) in Khanyar to the annual Urs of the Sultanul Awliya ( the saint of all saints).

On the occasion, the air was filled with an atmosphere of spirituality and unity as devotees, young and old, came together to offer Friday congregational prayers. The annual Urs of Peer-e-Dasgteer (RA) is observed on the 11th of Rabi-ul-Saani. For the past 11 days, Khatamat-ul-Moazamaat including Awraad-e-Qadriya were recited. On the 11th day which marks the Urs as well, the holy relic of Hazrat Sheikh Syed Abdul Qadir is displayed for the devotees.

As per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), one of the most striking aspects of the gathering was the presence of elderly devotees who occupied the front rows, with their faces radiating unwavering faith as they offered their namaz, their actions embodied the rich history and tradition of this spiritual gathering.

As the night-long prayers continued on Thursday, the fragrance of incense and the soft glow of candles filled the air, creating an enchanting ambiance, with pilgrims from different walks of life, mostly elderly, united by their devotion to the saint, exchanged greetings and offered prayers for peace and well-being.”

One of the elderly devotees, who seems in his 70s, told KNO, that it is a testament to the enduring legacy of Sheikh Syed Abdul Qadir Jeelani (RA) and his teachings that continue to inspire generations, and this Urs Mubarak is a beautiful reminder of the power of faith and unity in an increasingly diverse world.

“This spiritual Urs Mubarak, unites young and old in an atmosphere filled with the essence of spirituality, where night-long prayers become a collective symphony of reverence,” said Manzoor Ahmed, another elderly devotee.

Another devotee said that, “I find solace in the unity and faith that Urs Mubarak at Dastgeer Sahib Shrine brings. This spiritual gathering reminds me of the enduring legacy of Sheikh Syed Abdul Qadir Jeelani and the power of faith in our diverse world.” Soon after the Friday prayers culminated with the presence of thousands of devotees, shrieks and cries filled the air as the head priest of the shrine displayed the holy relic of DastgeerSahab (RA). People could been seen crying and seeking forgiveness to their sins besides seeking happiness for them and their family members. “We pray to Almighty Allah making Dastgeer Sahab as our Waseelah and with that our prayers get answered,” said Abid Nazir, who had come to the shrine all the way from northern district of Kupwara.

Earlier, patron Karwan-e-Islami International Alama Ghulam Rasool Hami addressed the Friday gathering and shed light on the teachings of Dastgeer Sahab (RA). He stressed on the devotees to follow the footsteps of revered saint