Annual Urs of Hazrat Shahjalal (R.) begins in Sylhet with ceremonial Ghilaf offering

The 707th annual Urs of Hazrat Shahjalal (R.) has officially begun at his shrine in Sylhet with the traditional ceremonial offering of a Ghilaf (sacred cloth).

From Thursday morning (May 7), thousands of devotees from across the country gathered at the shrine complex, creating a festive and spiritual atmosphere around the premises.

The event began with the replacement of the shrine’s ceremonial Ghilaf by the shrine authorities, followed by devotees, political groups and social organisations offering chadors and other offerings through processions accompanied by traditional music and chants.

The shrine area echoed with slogans such as “Lal-e-Lal, Baba Shahjalal,” as the flow of devotees continued to increase, extending beyond the shrine premises into surrounding roads and entry points.

Shrine authorities said various religious programmes, including zikr, recitation of the Holy Quran and special prayers, are being observed as part of the Urs rituals. Preparations are also underway for the distribution of Shinni (sacred offering food), with sacrifices of cattle and goats donated by devotees.

The two-day Urs will conclude on Friday (May 8) with the final Akhri Munajat (concluding prayers) at dawn, followed by distribution of offerings among devotees and visitors.

Security has been significantly tightened in and around the shrine area, with law enforcement agencies deployed alongside volunteer groups to manage the large crowds. Emergency medical teams, fire service personnel and electricity maintenance crews have also been kept on standby, while CCTV surveillance and archway screening systems have been installed at key entry points.