Urs may reignite peace process, say Pak pilgrims

The 803rd Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti in Ajmer Dargah can initiate a fresh peace process between India and Pakistan, feels the delegation of 431 Zayreens (pilgrims) from Pakistan camping in Ajmer for the annual Urs.

The Pak delegation has come to Ajmer after a gap of two years and offered a ceremonial Chaddar at the Dargah on behalf of government of Pakistan.

“We have come here after a gap of two years. Earlier this year Pakistan also allowed Sikh devotees to the Gurdwaras on its land. It suggests that relations are improving and we are sure that fresh round of peace process will start soon. We have prayed for peace and harmony of the two countries and offered a ceremonial Chaddar, a crown from Hazrat Baba Peerganj Dargah in Lahore and a turban,” said Mahmood Tahir who is leading the Pak delegation. Many of the Zayreens were visiting India for the first time and were amazed by the similarities between the culture and people of both the countries.

“I am here for the first time and feel no difference between the people, culture, food and lifestyle. People gave us a very warm welcome, beyond my expectations,” said Ahmed, a resident of Peshawar.

Seventy-one-year-old Hazi Mohmood from Faislabad runs three sweet shops. He was proud to share that people of his town know him as “Halwa-Puri wala” – the two famous dishes of north India cooked in every household during festivals. “Halwa Puri is equally famous in Pakistan. I have brought some sweets from my shops and shared it with my Indian brothers,” said Hazi Mohmood, who is wheelchair-bound due to some injuries.