NagapattinamĀ (Tamilnadu): The 462nd annual Kandoori festival has commenced at nearby Nagore Dargah, a famous Muslim pilgrim centre, with the hoisting of the holy flag.
The managing trustee of the dargah, Khalifa Masthan Saheb, said the 14-day festival began last night after the holy flag was brought in a procession and hoisted.
The Kandoori festival is held to commemorate the death anniversary of 16th century saint Hazrath Syed Shahul Hameed Quadir Wali, who migrated from his native place inĀ Manickapur, near Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh, and lived in Nagore till his death.
Flags were also hoisted on top of the five minarets of the 500-year-old dargah after a colourful procession last night. As per tradition, one of the five flags was brought from Singapore.
The main event of the festival – sandanakooduĀ (sandal pot) procession – will be held February 15, Masthan Saheb said.
The Nagapattinam district administration has made elaborate arrangements, including security, sanitation, health, electricity, and transportation for the smooth conduct of the festival that draws people from other religions as well.
Situated 4 km north of Nagapattinam, Nagore is an important Muslim pilgrim centre in the country.
The dargah of Saint Hazrath Syed Shahul Hameed is more than 500 years old. Saint Hazrath Syed Shahul Hameed came to Thanjavur on a pilgrimage during the 16th century AD when he cured the illness of the then King of Thanjavur, Achuthappa Naicken.
The king gifted the saint lands in Nagore where he lived for the rest of his life serving the people, irrespective of their religion, caste or creed. After he passed away at the age of 68, his body was entombed at Nagore and turned into a pilgrim centre.
Many Hindus visit the dargah to get cured of their illness. It is also a practice among Muslims visiting the dargah to have their head tonsured.