The three-day annual Urs festival of Nalgonda started on a colorful note with officials, and leaders from all political parties participating in the inauguration.
The Urs-e-Sharif sandal was handed over by the Imam of the Mecca masjid to District Collector Gaurav Uppal and Superintendent of Police D.V. Srinivasa Rao, who marked the start of the procession.
Nalgonda MLA Komatireddy Venkatreddy and leaders from the Telangana Rashtra Samithi later led the procession till the town’s Clock Tower.
Long tradition
Another ceremonial sandal procession by the Police Department, a long tradition symbolizing peace and unity among communities, also joined the Urs committee at the centre through a different route.
Carrying the holy sandal on the head, the joint processions would move from the clock tower, into the colonies and lanes of old city and reach the Latif Saheb Gutta by 10 p.m, the organising committee said.
The holy sandal then would be carried to the top the hill, where the Hazrat Syed Shah Latifullah Quadri dargah is situated. The people of the town came out to watch the procession that was accompanied by a traditional village musicians, and a scouts and guides band, and a dozen fakirs performing body piercing.
Unifying faith
A one-of-a-kind festival that unites people across disciplines, religion and political affiliations — the three-day festival often extends beyond the date. Officials said sufficient arrangements were in place to meet pilgrim/devotee requirements.
