Where Faith Unites, Not Divides: The Enduring Message of Hazrat Bhola Shaheed’s Urs in Sasaram, Bihar

By Syed Amjad Hussain, New Age Islam 18 October 2025 The 756th Urs of Hazrat Bhola Shaheed in Sasaram celebrates centuries of Sufi devotion, unity, and compassion, drawing thousands of devotees, scholars, and poets in a spirit of peace and brotherhood. Main Points: 1. The 756th Urs of Hazrat Bhola Shaheed is being observed at Chiktoli Dargah in Sasaram, Bihar. 2. The festival honours centuries of Sufi tradition and unity. 3. Rituals include Qur’an recitation, Chadarposhi, and Langar-e-Aam. 4. Scholars and poets from across India participate. 5. The event promotes harmony, heritage, and community spirit. ----- Introduction The historic town of Sasaram in Bihar has come alive with devotion and unity as the 756th Urs Mubarak of Hazrat Bhola Shaheed is observed at the Chiktoli Dargah in Sasaram district. The annual Urs, which began earlier this week after the Isha prayers, will continue till 19 October 2025, drawing devotees, scholars, and Sufi poets from across Bihar and other parts of the country. Centuries of Spiritual Heritage The Urs marks the Barsi, or death anniversary, of the revered Sufi saint Hazrat Bhola Shaheed, whose shrine has remained a centre of faith and learning for over seven centuries. In Sufi tradition, the word Urs (meaning “meeting”) symbolises the saint’s eternal union with the Almighty. Unlike mourning, the day is observed as a festival of love, remembrance, and spiritual connection. This centuries-old celebration stands as a testament to the deep roots of Sufism in Bihar and eastern India, where such shrines continue to preach compassion, humility, and brotherhood. The uninterrupted observance of this Urs for more than seven hundred years reflects how the saint’s message has passed through generations, shaping local culture and faith. This Year’s Programme and Rituals According to urs organisers and local reports, the Urs began with Ghusl-e-Pak, the ritual cleansing of the saint’s tomb, followed by Qur’an Khwani (recitation of the Holy Qur’an) at dawn and Chadarposhi, in which devotees drape silk chadars over the mazar as a gesture of reverence. Throughout the day, thousands of people visit the Dargah, offering flowers, incense, and prayers, filling the entire area with an atmosphere of spiritual warmth. Every evening, a Langar-e-Aam (community meal) is organised, where food is served freely to all visitors, irrespective of religion, caste, or class. The shrine and its surroundings have been beautifully decorated with colourful lights, floral designs, and fragrance, turning Sasaram’s Chiktoli locality into a glowing symbol of peace and piety. The highlight of this year’s event will be the “Faizan-e-Bhola Shaheed Conference” and “Jashn-e-Dastar-e-Hifzul-Qur’an”, to be held on Saturday night. Eminent scholars and preachers from across India are expected to participate, including: Hazrat Maulana Abdul Hafeez Mubarakpuri, Hazrat Maulana Dr. Jauhar Miyan Gopalganji, Hazrat Maulana Mubarak Hussain Chaturvedi Bhabhua, and Hazrat Maulana Saqib-ul-Qadri Banarasi. Their sermons and poetry will centre on the life, teachings, and legacy of Hazrat Bhola Shaheed, underlining the timeless values of mercy, justice, and spiritual love. Organisation and Local Cooperation The event is being jointly managed by the Dargah Committee of Madrasa Shaheediyya, led by Hafiz Muhammad Sultan Ahmad (Mohtameem) and Hafiz Muhammad Mushahid Raza Habibi (Naib Mohtameem). Both have been overseeing the rituals, public arrangements, and coordination with district authorities. The district administration has extended full support to ensure that the Urs proceeds smoothly. Special attention has been given to cleanliness, lighting, water supply, and crowd management. Police deployment and traffic control measures are in place, while separate routes for men and women have been created to prevent congestion. Continuous supervision by civic staff and volunteers ensures that the atmosphere remains peaceful and well-organised. Faith as a Bridge of Society Beyond religion, the Urs stands as a living example of social harmony. People from all backgrounds — Muslims, Hindus, and others — visit the shrine, offering prayers or simply sharing a meal in the langar. This spirit of inclusion reflects the heart of Sufi philosophy, where love for humanity is seen as a form of worship. Economically too, the Urs brings life to Sasaram’s local economy. Shopkeepers, street vendors, transporters, and artisans benefit from the surge in visitors. Temporary stalls selling devotional items, flowers, and sweets line the roads, while hotels and eateries stay packed throughout the week. Cultural Continuity and Spiritual Message The teachings of Hazrat Bhola Shaheed, centred on compassion, humility, and equality, are revived each year through Mehfil-e-Sama, poetry recitals, and Qur’anic discourses. For many, the Urs is not only a religious gathering but also a cultural inheritance that connects the people of Sasaram with their historical and spiritual roots. Bihar, known for its composite culture, has long been home to Sufi saints and shrines that promoted peace and brotherhood. In a time when social divisions often dominate public discourse, the Urs serves as a reminder of India’s enduring pluralism, where devotion and diversity coexist. Challenges and Preparedness Handling thousands of devotees in a compact town like Sasaram is not easy. Organisers have had to work closely with police and municipal authorities to manage sanitation, traffic, and public health. Arrangements have been made for drinking water, electricity, and medical assistance for visitors. So far, the event has remained peaceful, and officials have expressed satisfaction with the arrangements. The Dargah Committee has also urged pilgrims to maintain cleanliness and follow the discipline that has defined this spiritual gathering for centuries. An Enduring Symbol of Faith The Urs of Hazrat Bhola Shaheed is more than a yearly observance; it is a living tradition of devotion, service, and unity. As devotees offer chadars and recite prayers, they renew a connection that has outlived empires and generations. As the celebrations move towards their conclusion on 19 October 2025, the Dargah of Chiktoli continues to echo with qawwalis, prayers, and the fragrance of devotion, a timeless reminder that love and faith can still unite hearts in a divided world. ------ Syed Amjad Hussain is an author and Independent research scholar on Sufism and Islam. He is the author of 'Bihar Aur Sufivad', a bestselling research book based on the history of Sufism in Bihar. 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