Urs Festival – Thousands Gather in Rajouri to Honour Sufi Saint’s Legacy
Urs Festival – Thousands of devotees from across Jammu and Kashmir came together in Rajouri district to participate in the 48th annual Urs of revered Sufi saint Baji Mian Lal Din. The three-day religious gathering, held from June 18 to June 20 at Sora Pani village in Budhal block, witnessed a large turnout of followers who arrived to pay their respects and seek blessings at the historic shrine.
Devotees Unite Beyond Religious Boundaries
The annual Urs drew people from different faiths, communities and social backgrounds, reflecting the teachings of peace, brotherhood and coexistence associated with the saint. Visitors joined the celebrations in an atmosphere marked by devotion and mutual respect, highlighting the enduring tradition of communal harmony in the region.
A community meal was organised throughout the event, where devotees sat together and shared food without distinctions based on religion, caste or social status. The langar remained one of the key features of the gathering, reinforcing the values of equality and service promoted by the shrine.
Shrine Continues to Serve Visitors Year-Round
Residents of the area said the shrine remains an important spiritual centre throughout the year. They noted that a free langar service is available around the clock, offering meals and support to visitors and pilgrims who arrive from different parts of the Union Territory.
According to locals, the shrine has long played a significant role in bringing people together and providing a space for spiritual reflection. Many devotees consider it a place where prayers are offered with sincerity and hope.
Special Prayers Focus on Peace and Youth Welfare
The concluding phase of the Urs included Dua-e-Khair, a special prayer ceremony attended by religious scholars and clerics. During the gathering, prayers were offered for peace, prosperity and social harmony in Jammu and Kashmir as well as across the country.
Participants also prayed for the well-being of young people and expressed concern about the growing challenge of drug abuse. Religious leaders called for collective efforts to guide youth toward positive paths and strengthen social values within communities.
Spiritual Gatherings Mark the Celebrations
Throughout the three-day event, the shrine hosted religious assemblies, recitations of sacred verses and collective prayers. Devotees spent time in worship and reflection, seeking blessings while remembering the teachings and contributions of the saint.
Organisers said the Urs continues to attract increasing numbers of visitors every year because of the shrine’s longstanding reputation as a symbol of faith, compassion and service to humanity. They emphasised that people from diverse backgrounds continue to visit the site, strengthening its role as a centre of social unity.
A Respected Spiritual Landmark in the Pir Panjal Region
Situated nearly 60 kilometres from Rajouri town, the shrine of Baji Mian Ghulam Nabi Nakshbandi remains one of the most prominent spiritual destinations in the remote Pir Panjal region. The site continues to draw pilgrims from across Jammu and Kashmir and serves as a reminder of the region’s rich Sufi traditions.
Historical accounts suggest that Baji Mian, a respected Sufi figure from Kashmir, settled in the area many years ago and later passed away in Tarimili Sharif. Over time, his shrine became a place associated with spiritual comfort, hope and unity. Devotees believe his teachings continue to inspire generations, preserving a message of compassion, faith and harmony among people of all backgrounds.