Sufiyana culture assuming great prominence in JK

INF/Greater Kashmir - Jammu and Kashmir, India
Saturday, September 16, 2006

Thousands of people gathered on the occasion of first death anniversary of prominent and well known Sufi singer Ghulam Ahmad Sofi who was famous throughout his life for reciting great poetry of Sufi saints of Jammu and Kashmir state.

The function was organized by the Department of Information and Public Relations at Rainawari near his ancestral grave yard. The poetic life history in a artistic description was engraved by the cultural academy on his grave. Amidst Fateh-e-Khani by large number of people.

The Director Information and Public Relations on this occasion said that Sofi who was known for reciting Sufiyana poetry ‘Shashrang’ of Sofi poet, poetry of ‘Suchkral, Shamsfaquir, Naimasahib’ who all belonged to ‘Sharakhas’ historically known as city of seven bridges. He said that vicinity of all seven bridges gave birth to great scholar saints and intellectuals, philosophers and persons of prominence.

He said that it is better that this city is termed with its original name Sharakhas in order to paid tributes to all those who belonged to this place. The people who were present on the occasion appreciated poetic verses of Zarief Ahmed which were inscribed by the cultural academy on a special stone near the grave of Sofi singer. He said that he was a employee of Information Department for long period.

The presence of large number of people from 4 O’ clock till mid night was clear indication of the popularity of great saint. The organizers of Sofi Saint Committee appreciated role of Information and Public Relations department for highlighting Sufiyana poetry and contribution of great Sufiyana saints whose poetry is getting new prominence in the State.

The Department of Information and Public Relations had continuously during last two years organized in all parts of J&K State. Thousands of Sufiyana, mehfils even Sofiana festival up to the level of India and Pakistan was organized in SKICC, Varmul, Pahalgam where great and reputed Sufiana singers of two countries participated. The 20,000 lovers of Sufiyana participated in 3-day festival. The highest gathering of the people to the extent of 45,000 people was witnessed at Narwara on the occasion of Ahad Zargar Day organized by Information Department.

Similarly, at Danamazar at Safakadal, 15000 to 20000 people participated in Rahmandars death anniversary. Large gathering were also witnessed at Hazrat Bul-Bul-Shah shrine, Rehaman Memorial Day Jamalata, Nayama Sahib Day at Habbakadal, Lala Sahib Day at Bandipora and thousands of such occasions in J&K and Ladakh which were organized by the department.

All the speakers while speaking on Sofi memorial day today said that the presence of such a large gathering on this day when Sofi singer is being remembered is clear proof that Sofi poetry is touching new dimensions of popularity in the State.

They requested the Director Information Khawja Farooq Renzu, Secretary Cultural Academy Rafiq Masoodi, Director Doordarshan Shahzadi Simon, Director Radio Zia, Director Commercial Broadcasting Bashir Arif, Director Education Rafiq Ahmad and Director Libraries Fazal Ullah, Director Archives, Director Academics, Chairman BOSE and other departments connected with intellectuals activities to play their role in highlighting, publishing and telecasting, broadcasting and organizing seminars on Sofi poetry as Kashmir as remained since time an memorial origin of Sufiyana civilization.