Srinagar, May 23 -- THE Urs of Mir Sayyid Ali Hussayni Hamadani (RA), popularly known in Kashmir as Shah-e- Hamadan, is being observed with fervor and intensity at Khanqah-e-Maula in Srinagar. Urs usually refers to a death anniversary of a Sufi Saint and means union (visaal) of the saint with the beloved (God).

Shah-e-Hamadan- an itinerant wanderer (wanderings are typical of Sufis) was instrumental in bringing and spreading Islam in Kashmir and shaping the culture peculiar to Kashmir. Not only did he define Kashmiris faith and culture but he also redefined the political economy of Kashmir by altering the socio-economic landscape of Kashmir. He, with the help of his acolytes did this by imparting craftsmanship training to Kashmiris in as ...