Afzal Biabani Urs gets underway in Kazipet

Kazipet: The Kazipet Dargah has been spruced for the 168th Urs of Hazrat Syed Shah Afzal Biabani, regarded as a symbol of social justice and communal harmony, which got underway on Saturday night.

The main festivity began with Sandal (Chandanotsavam) on Saturday night. It may be mentioned here that the Dargah elders had already performed Gusl e Shareef (purification) on Friday.

The head of the Dargah Khusroo Pasha, the seventh descendent of Afzal Biabani, said that all arrangements have been made for the annual Urs. He said that the festival is expected to draw a large number of people from across the country and abroad.

According to Dargah spokesman Shahnawaz Shah, the Urs got underway with Sandal on Saturday. Urs Shareef is on Sunday where VIPs would offer special prayers. The day is also to mark Ghouse e Paak in which seers from other Dargahs hoist flags. Mehfil-e-Samaa (qawwali), a spiritual concert would be organised in the night. On October 28, Badwaa and Rang would be organised before the Urs concludes with qawwali.

Afzal Biabani who was born to Syed Shah Ghulam Mohiuddin Biabani and Qasim Bibi Saheba couple in 1795, believed to have supernatural powers right from his childhood. He attracted the masses through his simplicity and miracles.

It may be mentioned here that the Afzal Biabani's followers started to organise Urs since his death in 1856 AD. Meanwhile, the district administration has made elaborate arrangements for the smooth conduct of the urs.