Thaindian News

By N.S.Sasan

Poonch (Jammu-Kashmir), Aug.10 (ANI): Urs, also known as Ziarat, was celebrated at the Dargah of Baba Thanpir, a Sufi saint in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district this weekend.

The festival marks communal amity in the valley. The aspect of communal harmony persisting here is evident from the existence of a Hindu temple and a Sikh Gurudwara within the premises of Baba Thanpir’s shrine.

Hindus and Sikhs participate in the Urs with utmost devotion.

On Sunday, devotees offered the holy shroud at the shrine of the Sufi saint and participated in prayers that were held in the temple as well as the Gurudwara.

Baba Shafi, the caretaker of the shrine acknowledged the contribution of the Indian Army in the successful conduct of Urs.

“Since 1971, the Indian Army has been contributing about seventy five percent of the cost of this festival. The Indian Army has been helping us in every possible way. The 15 JAT (Regiment) offered us tents, generators and other requirements for the Baba’s Urs festival,” said Baba Shafi, the Muslim priest and caretaker of Baba Thanpir’s Dargah.

Army personnel posted near the shrine also participated in offering prayers to the saints.

“Every person from different religion offered a holy blanket then every one came to the shrine and offered prayers and went to the Gurudwara and offered prayers together. And set an example of communal harmony today. I wish that we take an oath of Baba Thanpir that we set an example of brotherhood and unity in the country, so that we are able to live in peace,” said Colonel A K Bhardwaj, Commanding Officer of 15 Jat Regiment.

What was common among the people present at the Urs was that all of them wished for peace and brotherhood in the country. (ANI)