Bareilly’s Urs-e-Razvi Adjusts Schedule and Menu Amid Kanwar Yatra Festivities

In a significant move reflecting the communal harmony of Uttar Pradesh, the organisers of the Urs-e-Razvi, an important Islamic religious event in Bareilly, have announced changes to the event’s schedule and menu in consideration of the ongoing Kanwar Yatra. The decision, prompted by requests from local authorities, aims to facilitate the large influx of Hindu devotees participating in the Yatra, which involves a pilgrimage to collect holy water from the Ganges.

The Urs-e-Razvi, a three-day annual event commemorating the death anniversary of the esteemed 19th-century Sufi scholar Imam Ahmad Raza Khan Barelvi, was initially slated for August 7 to August 9. However, the event has been rescheduled to take place from August 6 to August 8 this year, coinciding with the Hindu month of Sawan. This change has been made to ensure that both communities can celebrate their traditions without overlapping disruptions.

According to Nasir Qureshi, the media in-charge of the Ala Hazrat Dargah — the shrine dedicated to Imam Ahmad Raza Khan — the adjustments were necessary given the expected presence of thousands of kanwariyas, or pilgrims, who travel extensive distances to collect sacred water from Haridwar. These efforts reflect a spirit of cooperation between different religious groups in the region, particularly during such significant occasions.

In addition to rescheduling the event, the organisers have also decided to omit meat from the event’s menu. This decision is a further indication of the sensitivities involved when two major religious observances coincide. The local administration and police had requested this change to ensure a peaceful environment, reinforcing the importance of maintaining communal respect during the festivities.

The Kanwar Yatra, which commenced on July 30 and runs until August 11 this year, is one of the largest religious gatherings in the country. Participants, known as kanwariyas, undertake arduous journeys often exceeding hundreds of kilometers, showcasing their dedication and faith. The adjustments made for the Urs-e-Razvi highlight how local communities can adapt to ensure mutual respect and understanding, fostering a spirit of unity amid diversity.

Source: scroll.in