The district administration has geared up for the 748th annual Urs (death anniversary) fair at the famous Piran Kaliyar shrine near Roorkee which will formally begin with the traditional 'Mehendi Dori' ceremony on December 1. Situated at a distance of 20 km from Haridwar, on the banks of the Ganga canal, this mega event beckons thousands of pilgrims every year on this fair.
Famed for its mystical powers that fulfill the desires of the devout, this Kaliyer Sharif which is the burial place of a Sufi Sant named Alla Uddin Ali Ahmad Sabir also gets Pakistani Zaireens every year. However, things are a bit uncertain this year, given the volatility in the relations, say the officials. Notably nearly 200 Pakistani pilgrims had visited Urs Mela last year.
The district administration has completed all arrangements for the mega event which attracts pilgrims from all communities and even foreigners to the state every year. After reviewing the site preparations of the fair, Haridwar District Magistrate Harbans Singh Chugh directed the district officials on Friday to ensure the continuous electricity and water supply during the fair. Temporary shelters, shops, lighting, toilets and tents have been constructed for better facilities to the pilgrims.
Speaking to The Pioneer, Chugh said, “We reviewed the Urs preparations today and have divided the whole of mela area into five zones. Elaborate arrangements have been put into place to make sure that the event passes off peacefully and hurdle less. Besides, banks have been asked to make special counters and ATMs to facilitate the pilgrims which might face trouble due to demonetisation.” The Indian Railways have also been requested to run special trains during peak fair days and add additional coaches in all the important Roorkee-bound trains, added DM.
DM also directed the district officials to paste the rate lists of food items outside fair shops and fare rate lists of busses and rickshaws at bus stops and stations in Roorkee and Haridwar. Chugh added that all encroachments in the mela zone will be removed to avoid any traffic congestion.
Elaborate arrangements have been made by the local police for the smooth conduct of the fair. SSP Rajeev Swaroop said, “We have asked for extra police force for the Urs fair and arrangements for additional force in case of any emergency will also be made. It is in the primary phase and within two days the exact listing will be made.” When asked about the participation of Pakistani Zaireens, he said, “Till now we have not received any intimation from the Pakistani pilgrims. If any such information is received, we will follow the instructions received from the External Affairs Ministry.”