Thousands participated in ‘Khwaja Digar’ prayers in old City Srinagar

Srinagar, Nov 22 (Only Kashmir): Braving cold wave, thousands of devotees Wednesday thronged Astani-e-Aliya Hazrat Khwaja Baha-ud-Din Muhammad Naqshband Bukhrai (RA) at old City Srinagar to offer the special mass prayers popularly known as ‘Khoja Digar’ This practice continues as a tradition from since last over 400 years. Kashmir’s chief cleric and Hurriyat (M) Chairman delivered a sermon before the prayers.
Thousands of men and women from several areas of Kashmir valley thronged the shrine of the revered Sufi saint located at Khwaja Bazaar, Nowhatta, for prayers and supplications. A large congregation of devotees offered special Khwaja Digar prayers in the afternoon to mark the urs of revered Sufi saint.
The Urs is celebrated on the 3rd Rabi-ul-Awal every year. Besides, the gatherings for special prayers (khatmat-muazzamat) are held for 12 days from 21st Safar to 3rd Rabi-ul Awal. These gatherings are held every day at 8 AM in the Khanqah-i-Naqshbandiya.
Photos & Video: Iqbal Beigh

Bilal Bashir Bhat