by Shuaib Wani
SRINAGAR: The annual Urs of Hazrat Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom (RA), revered as Sultan-ul-Arifeen, was marked with deep devotion across the valley. The shrine at Hari Parbat, one of Kashmir’s most venerated spiritual centres, drew thousands of devotees who offered prayers, supplications, and salutations in memory of the saint whose influence has endured for nearly five centuries.
The Urs began with a nightlong Shab Khawani, where large gatherings of men, women, and children participated in collective recitations and prayers. The courtyards of the shrine remained filled with devotees until dawn, their voices rising in unison with hymns and verses.
Throughout the following day, streams of people thronged the hilltop shrine. Families, many of whom had travelled from distant villages, climbed the steps of Hari Parbat to pay obeisance. For twelve days leading up to the main Urs, devotees had been visiting the shrine without pause, demonstrating the scale of reverence attached to the saint.
On the occasion, religious scholars spoke at length about the life and teachings of Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom (RA). They highlighted his role as a guide for spiritual seekers, reminding the faithful of his message of humility, self-purification, and service to humanity. Accounts of his influence on Kashmir’s spiritual and social life were retold, emphasising his legacy as one who shaped the moral fabric of his time.
Known popularly as Makhdoom Sahib or Sultan-ul-Arifeen, Hazrat Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom (RA) remains among the most venerated saints of Kashmir. His shrine has been a site of pilgrimage for over 460 years, continuing to attract generations of followers who consider his resting place a source of spiritual strength.
The Urs, with its blend of solemn rituals and fervent participation, once again reflected the unbroken bond between the Kashmiri people and the saint whose presence continues to define the spiritual landscape of the valley.