The Shrine of Sheikh Salamat Washed With Milk before Annual Urs SUJAWAL: The Shrine of Hazrat Sheikh Salmat alias Mugarbeen is situated around 30 kilometers away from Sujawal in the coastal town jati .it carries historical significance in the history of subcontinent following a unique ritual that is performed a week ahead of the annual Urs. Every year before the commencement of the annual urs of Sheikh Salamat the domes of the shrine are washed with milk in continuation of the centuries-old ritual called “Dargah Jo Acho”- The Ritual of Bathing the shrine with milk, as an expression of love and reverence.”Cattle-owning devotees donate milk in a huge quantity for the performance of this centuries-old ritual,” said the custodian of the shrine. Sain Tufail Ahmed Qureshi. He further said that; Tens of thousands of people from across the province converged at the shrine to witness the ritual being performed by devotees, who got them registered by paying a registration fee that was around 250 rupees per devotee to take part in the ritual. He claimed that; it was the only shrine of a Muslim saint in the subcontinent being washed with milk. Sheikh Salamat who was known for his bravery and valor laid down his life while safeguarding the lives of Sayyed’s in a war against Rai Kannauj. According to eminent historian Dr. Mohammad Ali Manjhi, Rai Kannauj was the ruler of the Kannauj state that included major parts of Gujarat the state of present India. There was no direct conflict between the two but the King became his enemy after he gave refuge to the family of Sayyed,s that had fled the rage of Rai Kannauj who was at odds with them over a petty issue. Following the malevolence of the King Sayyed’s had to leave their homes and hearths and come to jati where Sheikh Salamat Aka Mugerbeen, a renowned spiritual figurehead of the area gave refuge to them. The King warned Sheikh Salamat either to hand Sayyed’s over to him or be ready for the war or the Sheikh opted for the war. The war led to the massacre of Sheikh Salamat, his devotees, and Sayyed’s. This war is known as the war between Good and Evil and is celebrated by the devotees of Sheikh. The shrines of those Sayyed’s are alongside the Shrine of Sheikh Salamat. This ritual is videly discussed every year by the historians that whether washing a shrine with milk is permissible in Islam or not. However local historians as well as the disciples of Sheikh Salamat defend it by saying that devotion knows no boundaries. People from different sects and religions attend the annual Urs particularly the ceremony of bathing the shrine with milk breaking the barriers of culture, color creed and promoting interfaith harmony. The zeal and zest of devotees would be to the brim this year as the event could not be held last year following the pandemic. The 844th Urs would begin this week in the coastal town.