Hyderabad: Minorities Welfare and Public Enterprises Mohammad Azharuddin urged people to preserve Telangana’s Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb and uphold peace, brotherhood and social harmony.
Azharuddin was the chief guest at the Urs-e-Mubarak of Hazrat Syed Shah Afzal Biabani (R.A.) at Dargah Shareef in Kazipet, Hanamkonda district. He called for continued efforts to protect the State’s tradition of communal harmony.
The Minister urged people to rise above religious and social differences. He said unity and mutual understanding were essential for Telangana’s collective progress.
He also highlighted the universal teachings of spiritual leaders and saints. Their message, he said, could help strengthen bonds among different communities.
Minister for Revenue Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy and Endowments Minister Konda Surekha attended the programme. The local MLA, chairpersons, elected representatives, senior officials, religious scholars, devotees and members of the public also participated.
The annual Urs drew devotees from Telangana and other parts of the country. Organisers held the Sandal ceremony on Monday, followed by Mehfil-e-Chiragan and Mehfil-e-Badawa.
Azharuddin greeted devotees on the occasion and expressed happiness at participating in the Urs. He said the event offered an opportunity to remember the spiritual legacy and teachings of the revered Sufi saint.
Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb reflected in Kazipet Urs traditions
Azharuddin said unity and mutual understanding could make collective efforts easier and more effective. He appealed to the community and organisers to consult one another and work together for the Dargah’s development and devotees’ welfare.
The Minister also stressed the importance of preserving traditions associated with the Urs. He urged people to pass the practices followed by earlier generations to future generations.
He further called on devotees to understand the teachings of revered saints rather than limiting their participation to the annual Urs. Their message should also guide people in their daily lives, he said.
Hazrat Syed Shah Afzal Biabani (R.A.), who lived from 1795 to 1856, was a revered Sufi saint associated with Warangal in the erstwhile Hyderabad State.
During the reign of Nizam Ali Khan, also known as Asaf Jah II, he served as the Qazi of Warangal. His Dargah at Kazipet continues to draw devotees as a spiritual and pilgrimage centre.
The Urs attracts people from different communities and backgrounds. Their participation reflects the continuing message of spirituality, peace, communal harmony and brotherhood associated with the saint.