Shrine of Baba Nanga Baji Sahib: A centre of religious harmony

Jan 20, 2020

Rajouri (J&K), : Sufism in India has promoted a common way of understanding the world and a binding force between the citizens who belong to diverse faiths and cultures. People from different faiths congregate at the Sufi shrines dotted all across the country to offer prayers and wish for peace and tranquility. This brotherhood and bonhomie could be well witnessed during the Urs of Baba Nanga Baji Sahib in Kalakote division of Rajouri district, where a large number of devotees gather to commemorate the occasion. Every year the Urs of the great Sufi saint is celebrated in high spirit and people irrespective of their castes come together to pay obeisance to the saint and get his blessings in return. Locals say that Nanga Baji was helpful to the poor and dispersed the message of maintaining unity among his followers throughout his life. His grandson, Baji Syed Muzzaffar Hussain Shah is also respected among the devotees on the occasion. Popularly known as Baji Sahib, the Sufi saint has been serving the society as a spiritual healer and a counselor to the people. The Urs is commemorated at his residence and thousands of devotees come here to seek blessings and enjoy the community meal that is served as a sacrament. The message of harmony comes out loud and clear from these Sufi sites and it simply reaffirms the fact that amity between different communities has been a way of life in India since ages and it will continue to strengthen the social fabric in times to come as well.