Srinagar: The Urs of Hazrat Khwaja Bahaudin (RA) was on Thursday observed with religious gaiety and fervour in Naqsband sahib shrine at Khwaja Bazar, Nowhatta here.
Thousands of devotees thronged the shrine to pay their obeisance and offered congregational prayers called “Khoja Digar”.
The tradition continues from the times of Hazrat Khwaja Khawand Mahmood (RA) since 1608 AD.
On the occasion, religious scholars threw light on the life and the teachings of Khawaja Bahaudin (RA), who was the founder of Naqashbandi school of thought. The day is celebrated every year on the 3rd of Rabi-ul-Awwal, the third month of the Islamic calendar.
As the clock touched 3 pm, the devotees began arriving, spreading prayer mats and waiting to participate in the special prayer.
“For me, this place is so peaceful that my heart relaxes when I offer prayer here, especially during the annual Khoja Digar,” said Nazir Ahmad from Srinagar, who has been visiting the shrine for years.
Another devote, Gulzar Ahmad from Ganderbal said he has been visiting here since he was a child. “My mother brought me, and now I bring my grandchildren here. This prayer has seen us through life’s toughest moments. Today, I pray for the health of my family and peace in our valley,” he said