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After weeks of lull, hustle-bustle returns to Dastageer sahab shrine
SANA ALTAF. Dated: 8/11/2012 1:53:21 AM
SRINAGAR, Aug 10: Around the charred deserted ruins of Dastageer Sahab(Ra) shrine, life is returning gradually after weeks of lull. The stalls, vendors, shops and other small business establishments are limping to normal. The aroma of street food has again filled the air. The messy stand selling clothes, kitchenware on sidewalks once again attract the customers, as rest of the Valley gears up for Eid-ul-Fitr
Thanks to the holy month of Ramdhaan and the forthcoming festival of Eid which has once again bestowed life near Dastageer Sahab(RA) shrine after it was gutted on June 25.
Though the charmful embellished shrine is missing, people in the area are seen engaged in activities. The evenings are particularly packed with people who, after praying congregational prayers, enjoy shopping in the vicinity. Men, women and children can be seen shopping at the sellers around the shrine which has been a conventional practice during festivals and Fridays.
“Things are fortunately getting back to normal here now. The stalls and vendors are back after long time,” said Mubashir Ahmad, a resident of Khanyar.
He says for long time after the shrine fire, the area remained deserted. Though people continue to feel the loss of a reversed shrine, hustle has returned.
Zaffar Ahmad, a shopkeeper near shrine says he dreads to recall the days of the shrine fire. He remembers a ruined look everywhere around the shrine.
“Our business was seriously hit, particularly during the days of curfew.”
Abdul Gaffar, a street food seller is happy that the buzz to his stall is back. He remains busy in the evening hours of this month of fasting.
“I do not have any other means of earning. Selling street food is all I earn from.”
However, amid the hustle bustle, people deeply miss the heritage shrine.
Nabla Begum would pray all her prayers in the shrine during Ramadan. This year she had to keep home.
“Every woman in the neighborhood would spend a lot of time in the shrine this month. We really miss those days.”