Karnataka - Bidar   

Symbol of communal harmony

Staff Correspondent

REVERED: A portrait of Ahmed Shah Al Wali Bahamani.

Bidar: Harmony among different communities is an outstanding character of the people of Bidar.

The urs of Sultan Ahmed Shah Al Wali Bahamani, who was King of Bidar, is a pointer to this. Hindus, Muslims, Christians and Buddhists attend the observance organised at his tomb in Ashtur village.

The urs marks the king's death anniversary. The term urs literally means wedding with the divine. The concept is influenced by Sufism. While the Muslims organise a `Sandal Sharieff,' the Hindus participate in a late-night `arati,' in front of the tombstone.

The Muslims conduct the `Sandal Sharieff' to observe the king's death anniversary.

The tomb is washed in rose water and decorated with flowers. Verses are read from the Koran, `Fajar Namaz' and `Salam.' `Chirag,' the holy lamp, is lighted. The Hindus believe the benevolent king was an incarnation of Lord Mallikarjuna. Later, all of them witness the wrestling matches organised by the villagers. People from Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh also arrive in large numbers.

The highlight of the observance is that it is inaugurated by a Hindu preacher. The event does not begin till Shivaraya Swamy of Madyal in Gulbarga district arrives in Ashtur and performs a puja. This year, the event begins on March 6 and ends on March 15. Religious ceremonies will be held in the first week. Wrestling matches will be held on the last two days.

Ahmed Shah ruled Bidar from 1422 to 1436. He was a great patron of arts and culture.

The interior of the tomb structure is painted in dazzling colours and patterns. Verses from the Koran and poems of the kingdom's preacher Nematullah Kirmani are written all over the walls of the structure.

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