Restoration of gutted shrine delights people in Srinagar

The historical Dastageer Sahib shrine here is being restored after it was destroyed by a massive fire that broke out on June 25 last year.

Although the relics inside the shrine were saved and retrieved, the shrine lost its traditional architecture due to the fire.

The state government appointed the Jammu and Kashmir Project Construction Company (JKPCC) to restore the shrine's traditional architecture.

The deputy general manager of JPCC, Imtiyaz Khalid, said a team of architects, engineers and workers had to spend sleepless nights to achieve their targets.

"We had to spend sleepless nights so that the targets are met. The administration told JKPCC it has to be ready before the annual Urs that starts in the first week of February so that it can be celebrated for 11 days at the Dastageer Sahib shrine," he said.

He also added that the entire team has been working relentlessly to restore the shrine to its original height of 26 foot with original embellishments.

The focal points of the architects are the traditional woodcarvings on the windows, the doors and the roofing, which is in stepped formation.

The restoration work has brought cheer among the people living near the shrine. People from all faiths revere the shrine, and they are happy that the government has respected their sentiments.

The 100-year-old shrine of Hazrat Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jeelani also known as Ghaus-e-Azam or Dastageer Sahib is located in the Khanyar area of old Srinagar.