BARABANKI: In line with the age-old tradition, Holi was celebrated at the Dargah of 19th century Sufi saint Haji Waris Ali Shah in Dewa town of Barabanki district, 25 kilometres from state capital Lucknow, by scores of Hindus of Muslims who showered each other with flower petals, abeer and gulal, on Wednesday.

The only Sufi shrine in the country where Holi is played, Dewa Sharif is known for its Hindu-Muslim unity with the priests here wearing traditional Hindu yellow robes (pitambar).

It is not recorded as to when this tradition started here, but it should be over a century old.

Wamiq Warsi, head of Halqai Fuqrai Warsi Astana Aliya Dewa Sharif, a committee of Sufi saints, said, “Dewa Sharif is a place of universal brotherhood and peace. The message of Paigham-e-Mohabbat that goes from here since the time of Haji Waris Ali Shah is very clear and poignant – that the one who loves us is ours. And today, on the basis of that, thousands of people come to Dewa Sharif to celebrate Holi and then pay their respects to the holy deity. This tradition has been going on since the time of our ancestors. In today’s time, this Holi celebration of Dewa Sharif sets a great example of unity and brotherhood in the country.”

The Holi juloos (procession) commences in the morning from the Qaumi Ekta Dwar in Dewa with flowers. It circles the town and then reaches the mausoleum around noon. By this time, gathers on the premises and Holi is played with rose petals, gulaal and abeer.

Anurag Tiwari, a local who has played Holi at the shrine for many years, said, “Devotion and love are parts of all faiths. Here at the dargah of Haji sa’ab (as the sufi saint is referred to), we profess our love for a kind elderly who has watched our back for over a century. We share our joys, fears and grief with him.”

Courtesy: New Age Islam