The annual Urs of revered Sufi saint Hazrat Ameer-e-Kabeer Mir Syed Ali Hamdani (RA) — popularly known as Shah-e-Hamadan — was observed with profound religious fervor and spiritual devotion across Kashmir, including Tral in Pulwama district and downtown Srinagar.
Thousands of devotees, including men, women, and children, gathered on Sunday at the historic Khanqah-e-Faiz Panah in Tral to participate in special congregational prayers. According to eyewitnesses, the shrine witnessed a massive turnout, particularly during the Zuhr (midday) prayers, with people arriving from dozens of villages across the Tral sub-division and other parts of South Kashmir.
As part of the rituals, the sacred relics of Hazrat Shah-e-Hamadan (RA) were displayed, adding to the solemn and spiritually charged atmosphere of the event.
In Srinagar, the main Urs function was held at the iconic Khanqah-e-Moula shrine, located on the banks of the Jhelum River. Devotees from across the Valley thronged the shrine for night-long prayers and a large gathering was witnessed again during the midday congregational prayers. Special duas (prayers) were offered for peace, unity, and prosperity in Kashmir.
The shrine and its surroundings were adorned with decorative lights, and local vendors set up stalls to serve the visitors. Authorities arranged Shamiyanas (canopies) to provide shade and comfort to the worshippers in the warm and humid weather, ensuring smooth conduct of the Urs celebrations.
Hazrat Mir Syed Ali Hamdani (RA), an Iranian-born Sufi scholar, poet, and missionary, is revered for his monumental role in spreading Islam in Kashmir during the 14th century. He arrived in the Valley in 774 AH (1372 CE) with 700 disciples. Though he passed away in Khatlan, Tajikistan in 1384 CE, his spiritual legacy continues to inspire generations of Kashmiris.
The annual Urs remains a symbol of Kashmir’s deep-rooted Sufi traditions, drawing people across faiths and regions in a spirit of reverence and shared cultural heritage.