Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo, today visited the Shrine of Hazrat Sultan-ul-Arfeen Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom (R.A.) at Makhdoom Sahib in Shahr-e-Khaas to review preparations for the forthcoming annual Urs. He also visted Sharika Devi temple at Hari Parbat and participated in the Sharika Jayanti celebrations.
During both visits, the Deputy Commissioner took stock of arrangements, interacted with shrine and temple management members, devotees and Officers and emphasized coordinated efforts by all concerned departments to ensure smooth, peaceful and hassle-free observance of the religious occasions.
During the visit to Makhdoom Sahib Shrine, the Deputy Commissioner was accompanied by Additional Deputy Commissioner, Mir Imtiyaz Ul Aziz, Additional Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Aadil Fareed, IAS Probationer, Alfred Thomas, Joint Commissioner SMC, Nuzhat Qureshi, Chief Planning Officer, Fayaz Ahmad Dar, Chief Medical Officer, Dr Tahir Sajad, Executive Engineers of R&B, PHE, City, KPDCL, Senior Officers of Police & Traffic departments, besides, members of Makhdoom Sahib Shrine Management and other concerned.
The DC reviewed the arrangements being put in place for the annual Urs, including water supply, uninterrupted electricity, transport services, parking and traffic management, sanitation and cleanliness measures, street lighting and medical facilities.
Interacting with local representatives, the DC sought their suggestions for further improving facilities for devotees expected to participate in large numbers. The DC directed the concerned departments to ensure availability of adequate drinking water at the shrine and maintain cleanliness in and around the premises.
He instructed the Srinagar Municipal Corporation authorities to take necessary measures for sanitation, address the stray dog menace and ensure that all street lights in the area remain functional. Similarly, KPDCL Engineers were directed to ensure uninterrupted power supply during the Urs days.
The DC also instructed the Health Department to establish a first-aid camp at the shrine for providing immediate medical assistance to devotees. He directed all line departments to ensure timely completion of all arrangements and maintain close coordination for the peaceful, safe and smooth conduct of the annual Urs.
Later, on the auspicious occasion of Sharika Jayanti, the Deputy Commissioner visited Sharika Devi Temple at Hari Parbat and participated in the religious celebrations, which were observed with great devotion, spiritual fervour and enthusiasm. The DC paid obeisance at the revered temple and extended his warm greetings to devotees on the religious occasion.
He interacted with devotees and officers and reviewed the arrangements made for the smooth conduct of the celebrations. The event was organized in a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere with the active participation of devotees, volunteers and members of the Kashmiri Pandit community.
The Deputy Commissioner appreciated the coordinated efforts of all line departments, temple management members and volunteers for ensuring the successful conduct of the celebrations. Meanwhile, the District Administration Srinagar and concerned departments had made elaborate arrangements to ensure the convenience, safety and comfort of devotees.
Pertinent to mention that, Sharika Jayanti is one of the most revered religious festivals of the Kashmiri Pandit community and holds immense spiritual and cultural significance. The festival is celebrated with traditional rituals and prayers, symbolizing faith, harmony and the rich composite cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir.