Qawwali for harmony
A.D. RANGARAJAN
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`Urus' festival showcased Hindu-Muslim camaraderie.
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SUFI MYSTICISM Scintillating qawwali marked the `Urus'.
In their zeal to outperform each other, the two qawwals gave the best of the spiritual songs on Allah, the Almighty. Khaleel Shaida Qawal of Nagpur and Sulthan Naza qawwal from Mumbai gave a scintillating qawwali performance at Ghousia Ashram in Renigunta in connection with the 48th annual `Urus' celebrations last Saturday.
The qawwali show, which started late in the evening, lasted till dawn, followed by presentation (Fateha) of sandal paste to the Nishaan-e-Mubarak, the holy flag. The two qawwals sang the glory of the omnipotent and omnipresent god, the greatness of Prophet Mohammad and the need to surrender at the holy feet of `Walisifath' (spiritual leaders) to reach the God.
While Sulthan Naza mesmerised the audience with songs like Noor-e-Mujassam, Ameena Ke Lal, Khaja Khaja Ajmer aaya hoon, Khaleel Shaida picked up the thread and hurled an improvised version of the songs to further glorify the lmighty, by singing pulsating numbers such as Ghouse-e-Azam hare hare, Ali... Ali.., Mere Peer Miriyala Baba and others. The song on how all the religions in the country resembled a `sumptuous thali' on a single platter drew wide applause. Mohammad of Kadapa did magic with his fingers on the bulbultara.
The ashram was founded by its present pontiff, Hayath Ali Sha Khadari, an ex-serviceman who turned to spiritualism. Of the four major schools of thought in Islam, namely, Khadiria, Chishtia, Rafaiya and Saharavardhia, this ashram belongs to the first one and has been endorsed by its Baghdad headquarters. As this 87-year old pontiff is known for giving Miriyalu (pepper) to his disciples and patients who seek his blessings, he is revered as `Miriyala Baba'.
This ashram stands as a living example of Hindu-Muslim camaraderie as it has a number of disciples spread across various faiths. The followers of the Ashram are advised to practise meditation (breath exercise) and vegetarianism. Every Friday, a special `Dua' is made for Hindu-Muslim unity in India. In fact, the annual `Urus' always starts with a procession from the house of T. Damu Reddy, the `Dharmakarta' of Renigunta Yellamma temple.
Only vegetarian food was served to the disciples and the poor during the three-day fete that turned out to be another highlight. Children of Hindu, Christian and Jain families sang songs and performed skits on devotion, respect to teachers, affection for mother and patriotism.
A number of disciples from Chennai, Hyderabad, Guntakal, Kadapa, Rajamundry and Anantapur had converged here for the mega occasion.
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