Bandipora, Aug 10: The conclusion of the seven-day annual Urs of Hazrat Syed Rasool Shah (RA), also known as Nanga Baji Sahib (RA), marked a significant event in Malangam Village of North Kashmir’s Bandipora district.
Amidst the scorching heat, a multitude of devotees gathered on Thursday to commemorate the Urs Mubarak of Jenab Nanga Baji Sahib (RA).
The annual Urs holds deep spiritual significance and is hosted at the residence of Syed Wilayat Shah, the grandson of Nanga Baji Sahib (RA), and a revered Sufi Saint of Jammu and Kashmir also known as Baji Sahib among his followers.
The Urs Mubarak culminated with heartfelt recitations of the holy Quran and special prayers, offered in pursuit of peace, prosperity, and tranquility for the nation.
As a traditional practice during the concluding ceremony, the customary flag was hoisted at the shrine, and a special Chadder was placed on the tomb of the Sufi Saint.
This year’s Urs witnessed a significant congregation of devotees seeking blessings from Syed Wilayat, the grandson of Nanga Baji Sahib (RA). The event also featured a free langer (community kitchen), which operates year-round at the saint’s shrine in Malangam. However, during the Urs, it extends its services to cater to the increased number of devotees and the underprivileged.
Adjacent makeshift markets provided a platform for visitors and devotees to procure their merchandise.
During the Urs, religious supplications resonated, and scholars from the Sufi order, both local and national, delivered sermons, which further enriched the spiritual atmosphere.
“This year’s Urs drew a larger gathering compared to the previous years,” Syed Shafat Kazmi, a member of the saint’s family told Rising Kashmir.
Syed Wilayat, the grandson of Nanga Baji Sahib (RA), commands a vast following and has been consistently organizing the annual Urs.
Devotees from various areas, including Rajouri, Doda, Udhampur, Poonch, Kishtwar, Kupwara, and Baramulla, make the pilgrimage to the shrine every year.
“I have been visiting this place for several years and it soothes my soul,” said Syed Mukhtar, a devotee from Rajouri.
