Thousands of devotees participate; administration ensures elaborate arrangements, highlighting Kishtwar’s tradition of communal harmony
Kishtwar, November 10: The 351st annual Urs of Hazrat Shah Asrar-ud-Din Sahib (RHA) was celebrated with immense devotion and religious fervour in Kishtwar, witnessing the participation of thousands of devotees from across the district and various parts of Jammu and Kashmir.
One of Kishtwar’s most revered spiritual personalities, Shah Asrar-ud-Din Sahib symbolises the region’s rich cultural heritage, brotherhood and interfaith harmony. Every year, devotees from diverse backgrounds gather at his shrine to pay their respects and seek blessings.
The District Administration, in collaboration with Auqaf Islamia Kishtwar, made elaborate arrangements to ensure the peaceful and smooth conduct of the annual Urs.
Under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Pankaj Kumar Sharma (JKAS), the administration ensured essential facilities, including uninterrupted electricity, safe drinking water, essential supplies, security, transportation and sanitation for visiting pilgrims.
Firdous Bhawani, Executive Officer, Waqaf Unit Kishtwar, along with his team, coordinated arrangements on behalf of the Waqaf Unit. Special provisions were made for food for thousands of devotees, while accommodation facilities were also arranged to ensure a comfortable stay for pilgrims.
A special highlight of the celebrations was the traditional hospitality extended by the people of Kishtwar. Continuing their longstanding tradition of communal harmony, local residents voluntarily opened their homes to accommodate devotees arriving from far-flung areas and other parts of Jammu and Kashmir.
This remarkable gesture reflected the spirit of generosity, brotherhood and coexistence deeply rooted in Kishtwar’s social fabric.
To facilitate devotees, the District Administration also established a control room in coordination with the Police Department and the District Information Centre Kishtwar. A dedicated help desk was set up to assist pilgrims throughout the celebrations.
Duty magistrates were deployed at various locations to ensure proper coordination and smooth management of the religious gathering.
The annual Urs once again highlighted Kishtwar’s unique tradition of spiritual devotion, communal harmony and collective participation, bringing together people from different communities in a celebration of faith and brotherhood.
