Pakherpora, Chrar Sharief, Sept 1: The Poshak Bandi festival and the following Friday prayers were held at the shrine of Hazrat Sultan Syed Mohammad Aali Balkhi (RA) in Pakherpora, Chararisharief, with deep religious reverence and fervour this week.
The festival is celebrated in Kashmir every year on the 15th of Sha’ban, the eighth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and marks the changing of the sacred cloth covering of the tomb of Hazrat Sultan Syed Mohammad Aali Balkhi. The old cloth is then taken to a nearby river and washed.
Meanwhile, Pakherpora management and community leaders have appreciated the Budgam administration and J&K Police for the smooth conduct of the Urs, and have thanked Incharge Pakherpora Police Post, Mudasir Shafi, and other officials for their support and cooperation in the conduct of the festival.
What is Poshak Bandi festival?
The Poshak Bandi festival is one of the major Sufi events in Kashmir and is attended by thousands of people. The festival is a time for religious devotion and reflection. It is also a time for celebrating the life and legacy of Hazrat Sultan Syed Mohammad Aali Balkhi.
Moulana Hami, the chief cleric of the shrine, speaking on the occasion, said that the Poshak Bandi festival is a reminder of the importance of religious tolerance and harmony. He said that Hazrat Sultan Syed Mohammad Aali Balkhi was a great Sufi saint who preached love and peace. He urged the people to follow his teachings and to live in harmony with each other, regardless of their religious beliefs.
Moulana Hami also said that the Poshak Bandi festival is a time to reflect on the importance of faith and spirituality. He said that faith gives us strength and guidance in difficult times. He urged the people to strengthen their faith and to turn to God for help and guidance.
About Hazrat Sultan Syed Mohammad Aali Balkhi
Hazrat Sultan Syed Mohammad Aali Balkhi was a Sufi saint who lived in the 14th century. He was born in Balkh, Afghanistan, and traveled to Kashmir in search of spiritual enlightenment. He settled in Pakherpora, Chararisharief, where he established a Sufi khanqah (lodge). Hazrat Sultan Syed Mohammad Aali Balkhi is considered to be one of the most important Sufi saints in Kashmir. His shrine is a popular pilgrimage destination for Muslims from all over the world.
How is the festival marked?
A procession is held from the shrine of Hazrat Sultan Syed Mohammad Aali Balkhi to the nearby river where the old cloth is washed.
A special prayer is offered at the shrine. A langar is held and good is also distributed to the poor and needy.
