A celebration of the spirit

Published January 3, 2008

Photos by S. Tahir Jamal / White Star

Atop a hillock in Clifton stands a mausoleum that is the focus of devotees from far and wide. Though a steady stream of the faithful come year round to pay homage to Abdullah Shah Ghazi and seek his blessings, particularly on Thursday nights, it is during the Ghazi’s urs, or three-day death anniversary, observed from the 20th to the 22nd of Zilhaj, that the largest crowds gather.

Some come to the shrine, said to be close to a 1,000 years old if legend is to be believed, for spiritual solace, others looking for a getaway from the rigmarole of daily life, while others still simply seek a quick high. And in these troubled times – as perhaps throughout history – people flock to these otherworldly islands seeking a method to the madness.

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