Shah Basit
A colossal gathering of tens of thousands of devotees descended on Baba Nagri in Ganderbal to commemorate the 127th Urs of Hazrat Baba Nizam-ud-Din Kiyanvi (RA). This two-day spiritual event, which concluded on Thursday, took place at Baba Nagri in Wangat Kangan, located in the heart of Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, culminating in a significant joint prayer ceremony.
Kicking off on June 7, the annual Urs featured Quran recitations, Daroud Azqar, and Khatmat-ul-Mozama, leading up to a night of continuous prayers. The celebrations reached their zenith on June 8 with a moving collective prayer session.
Dating back to the 19th century, this year’s Urs marks the 127th annual event, with each year seeing a growing number of enthusiastic participants.
Devotees from across Kashmir and beyond flocked to Baba Nagri to take part in the Urs. They visited the shrine of Hazrat Baba Nizam-ud-Din Kiyani (RA), and participated in the night-long Shab-khawani and Daroud Azqar gatherings.
On the final day, a massive joint prayer was held where attendees prayed fervently for peace, prosperity, unity, brotherhood, and communal harmony throughout the state.
Thousands of individuals from districts including Poonch, Rajouri, Kathua, Kala Court, Doda, Shopian, Bandipora, Baramulla, and Ganderbal, among others, joined the two-day Urs, arriving in groups or alone, on foot or by bus, showcasing their deep devotion.
The Urs also served as a significant occasion for charitable contributions. Pilgrims offered donations of cash, livestock such as cattle and sheep, and essential food items like maize, rice, corn, and pulses.
The event saw the presence of several prominent religious figures, including Sajadh Nasheen Mian Altaf Ahmad and numerous Islamic scholars. Mian Altaf Ahmed, addressing the congregation, highlighted the life and contributions of Hazrat Baba Nizam-ud-Din (RA) and the late Mian Bashir Ahmad.
Mian Altaf Ahmad urged attendees to work towards the betterment of humanity and to follow the teachings of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH). He emphasized the significance of brotherhood and harmony and encouraged regular prayer practices (Nimaz).
Various religious scholars also spoke at the gathering, focusing on the teachings and altruistic efforts of Hazrat Baba Nizam-ud-Din (RA) throughout his life for the betterment of mankind.
Mian Altaf Ahmad emphasized that by following Islamic teachings, individuals could lead peaceful and dignified lives, thereby strengthening the foundation of communal harmony.