Flood of Spiritual Peace and Devotion; 399th Three-Day Urs of Sufi Saint Hazrat Maulana Shahbaz Mohammad to Begin Tomorrow at Khanqah-e-Alia Shahbazia, Headed by Hazrat Allama Maulana Syed Shah Mohammad
Bhagalpur, Special Correspondent: The soil of Silk City Bhagalpur is once again set to be immersed in spirituality, Sufism, brotherhood, and spiritual light. The 399th Annual Urs Mubarak of the great Sufi Saint Hazrat Maulana Shahbaz Mohammad Rahmatullah Alaih is going to be organized with great pomp, devotion, and grandeur at Khanqah-e-Alia Shahbazia, which is counted among the historic and cultural heritages of the city. This three-day spiritual ritual will run from tomorrow, July 31, to August 2. The sدارت (chairmanship/presidency) of this sacred and historic event will be held by the Sajjadanashin of the Khanqah, spiritual exponent Hazrat Allama Maulana Syed Shah Mohammad. Regarding this three-day event, devotees from across the country, abroad, and various corners of the state have already begun arriving in Bhagalpur.
What Is the Historical and Spiritual Significance of This Urs?
The history of Khanqah-e-Alia Shahbazia located in Manik Sarkar, Bhagalpur, is centuries old, and it has been a prominent center of the Sufi tradition:
The Message of Love and Humanity: Hazrat Maulana Shahbaz Mohammad Sahib was a great saint who, during his lifetime, conveyed the message of love, brotherhood, peace, and humanity to people from every section of society. Every person visiting his shrine experiences mental peace and spiritual solace.
A 399-Year Tradition: Organized every year on the occasion of his Urs, this festival is not only important from a religious perspective, but it is also considered the greatest symbol of Bhagalpur's Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb (composite culture) and mutual harmony. This year marks the 399th Urs, which in itself stands as testimony that even after centuries, the teachings imparted by the saint remain equally relevant.
Key Religious Rituals During the Three-Day Urs
For this grand three-day event commencing on July 31, the Khanqah premises have been decorated like a bride, and robust arrangements have been made for visiting guests:
First Day (July 31): The Urs will commence with Quran Khani and special prayers. Special supplications will be offered for peace, harmony, brotherhood, and prosperity in the country. In the evening, a Mahfil-e-Sama (Qawwali and Sufi kalam) will be organized, where renowned Qawwals of the country will present Sufi verses in their melodious voices, mesmerizing the audience.
Second Day (August 1): On this day, the ritual of Chadarposhi and Gulposhi (laying of ceremonial sheets and offering flowers) at the Mazar-e-Mubarak of the Sufi saint will begin early in the morning. Along with political and social figures arriving from every corner of Bihar, commoners and dignitaries alike will offer chaders at the shrine and pray. A special Langer (community feast) will also be organized, where thousands of people will partake of the blessed meal.
Third Day (August 2 - Kul ki Rasm): On the final day of the Urs, August 2, the ritual of 'Kul ki Rasm' will be performed. During this, special Kul Sharif will be recited, and at the conclusion, the country's prominent Alim-e-Deen (Islamic scholar) and Sajjadanashin will pray for the well-being of the entire universe. With this, the three-day spiritual celebration will conclude.
Message from Hazrat Allama Maulana Syed Shah Mohammad, Presiding Over the Event
Presiding over this historic event, the Sajjadanashin of the Khanqah, Hazrat Allama Maulana Syed Shah Mohammad, stated in his message that "The shrines of Sufi saints are centers of spiritual peace not for any specific religion, but for the entire humanity." He has appealed to people to forget mutual differences and participate in this Urs, taking a pledge to uphold peace and harmony in the country and society by following the path shown by Hazrat Maulana Shahbaz Mohammad.
Administrative Arrangements and Crowds Swarming the City
In view of the massive crowds expected during the Urs, strict security and traffic arrangements have been put in place by the district administration and the Khanqah management committee:
Traffic and Security Setup: Barricading has been set up in congested areas, and police deployment has been ensured so that Zaireen (pilgrims) arriving from outside do not face any kind of inconvenience.
Welcome for Pilgrims: Special welcome camps have been set up all the way from Bhagalpur railway station and bus stand to the Khanqah premises, where volunteers are stationed to assist the devotees.
This 399th Urs of Sufi saint Hazrat Maulana Shahbaz Mohammad being organized on the soil of Bhagalpur is not merely an Urs, but a Mahakumbh of cultural unity, love, and spirituality. This event, held under the chairmanship of Hazrat Allama Maulana Syed Shah Mohammad, will once again prove that there is no greater power than the strength of humanity and love. The entire city is now fully prepared to participate in this three-day spiritual celebration.
