Srinagar, Aug 28, KNT: The historic Hazrat Naqshband Sahib (RA) Shrine at Nowhatta in Srinagar witnessed a large number of devotees on Thursday as men, women, and children from across the Valley converged to participate in the annual Khoja Digar prayers.
From the narrow lanes of the old city to the main chowk, worshippers laid prayer mats as the call for the special prayers was made at 3 pm. The atmosphere turned devotional, with faith and tradition bringing people together in large numbers.
For many, the gathering was not just an act of worship but also a moment of deep emotional connection. “For me, this place is so peaceful that my heart relaxes when I offer prayer here, especially during the annual Khoja Digar,” said Ghulam Ahmad, a resident of Srinagar who has been attending the prayers for years. Aijaz Ahmad, a devotee from Ganderbal, recalled childhood memories of visiting the shrine. “My mother brought me here, and now I bring my grandchildren. This prayer has seen us through life’s toughest moments. Today, I pray for health in my family and peace in our valley,” he said.
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Local residents in Nowhatta welcomed the devotees warmly, opening their homes and offering tea and snacks. “On the occasion of Khoja Digar, we prepare refreshments for devotees to express our love for the shrine. Our doors are open for everyone,” said Nisar Ahmad, a local resident.
The shrine and its surroundings overflowed with worshippers, including mothers guiding their children by hand, while the air was filled with spirituality as the muezzin’s call echoed across the locality.
Authorities had made arrangements for the smooth conduct of the prayers, ensuring that the gathering passed without any inconvenience.
The Hazrat Naqshband Sahib (RA) Shrine holds immense historical and spiritual significance. After the passing of Khawja Khawand Mahmood in 1640 in Lahore, his son Khawaja Moin-Ud-Din Naqshbandi came to Kashmir to oversee the shrine’s affairs. He was later buried there in 1674. Historical accounts also state that the holy relic of Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) hair was first kept at this shrine in 1699 before being moved to Hazratbal.
The gathering was addressed by Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Molvi Umar Farooq, who highlighted the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and their relevance in guiding people’s lives today.
As the prayers concluded, devotion and unity marked the occasion, with yet another year of Khoja Digar reaffirming the Valley’s spiritual and cultural traditions at one of its most revered shrines. [KNT]
