Srinagar, 11 Aug 2021. Peer Baba Day was celebrated at Machhal Garrison on 11th
August 2021 in which villagers of Macchal, Dapbal and Pushwari attended in large
numbers. This year the Peer Baba Dargah was renovated by the collaborative efforts of
Rashtriya Rifles and the villagers and this celebration was organized to mark the
culmination of the efforts.
Machhal Dargah came into existence in the year 1965. During that period,
Machhal was deprived of any cultivation land and the crop produce was also very
minimal. On 11 Aug 1965, a village elder Mohd Sohail Shah offered his prayers at the
shrine and sought blessings for the well being of the village. Subsequently, the village
received good crop produce and faith in the shrine was restored for the locals. Since
Mohd Sohail Shah had visited the Dargah on 11 Aug and the day marks end of
sufferings for the villagers, 11 Aug is celebrated as Macchal Peer Baba Day in this
valley.
The Dargah’ of Peer Baba is visited by people of all faiths. On every Thursday,
the day before Juma prayer, people come to seek blessings of Peer Baba. The people
of this area earnestly believe that Peer baba is their protector. Also, troops of
Rashtriya Rifles visit the shrine and offer prayers on every Thursday.
On 11 Aug 21, the villagers visited the shrine along with soldiers and offered
prayers for the prosperity and good will of Machhal Valley and the Awaam. Children
also attended the function and sweets were distributed to all at the end.
