670th Urs of Hazrat Ladle Mashakh in Aland: A Message of Love and Peace

By Reyasat Ali Sameer
Senior Correspondent

Kalaburagi (Aland) : 
In the town of Aland, located in Karnataka’s Kalaburagi district, the Dargah of the Sufi saint Hazrat Ladle Mashakh (R.A.) stands as a living symbol of love, brotherhood, and humanity. The 670th Urs of this revered Sufi saint will be celebrated with great devotion and grandeur starting from August 2. According to the Dargah Committee, this annual Urs brings forth a message of peace and unity that binds people’s hearts together.

Hazrat Ladle Mashakh, also known as Hazrat Allauddin Ansari, was a great 14th-century Sufi saint. His sacred mausoleum, especially the Mahima Mandap, is the holiest part of the Dargah and remains the center of devotion for countless pilgrims. Historical records reveal that this Mandap symbolizes the saint’s spiritual strength and his timeless message of humanity.

The management and organization of the Urs are overseen by four key custodians (Karbaris), among whom Mohammad Sadat Ansari plays a pivotal role. As one of the four principal custodians, Sadat Ansari guides the Dargah Management Committee, ensuring that the sanctity of the shrine is preserved while also enhancing the grandeur of the Urs. His dedicated efforts have helped extend the fame of the shrine far beyond India, reaching international devotees. Through his initiatives, arrangements for pilgrims’ comfort and preservation of the shrine’s sanctity are given utmost priority.

Sadat Ansari shared that on the evening of August 2, a special program will be held at the Tehsil Office, featuring soulful qawwali performances by renowned artists. The event will be blessed with prayers by learned scholars, creating an atmosphere filled with spirituality. Following this, the Tehsildar of Aland will inaugurate the Sandal Festival. Later at night, a grand Sandal Procession will commence from the old Tehsil office, passing through the main streets of the town before reaching the Dargah.

On August 3, the celebrations will continue with Deepotsav (Festival of Lights) and other spiritual gatherings. A large influx of devotees is expected to arrive from various states including Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Delhi, and Goa. Sadat Ansari emphasized that the local administration has made comprehensive arrangements for the safety and convenience of the pilgrims, ensuring that the event proceeds in peace and harmony.

This Urs is not merely a religious congregation but truly a celebration of love, peace, and brotherhood. The teachings of Hazrat Ladle Mashakh—centered on love, compassion, and humanity—continue to connect people even today. Thanks to the tireless efforts of Sadat Ansari and the other custodians, the Urs reaches greater heights every year. With the blessings of the saint, the small town of Aland spreads a universal message of peace across the world.