Kashmiri Muslims are seen as non-veg lovers, but when it comes to celebrating the annual Urs of Hazrat Baba Dawood Reshi aka Batamaloo Sahib, a 17th-century saint, his disciplines living in far and wide of the valley almost turn into vegetarians, giving up all meat preparations and even consumption of onions. During this springtime Urs, which lasts for around a fortnight, the devotees host special parties where some traditional varieties prepared exclusively during this festival are served.
Named after the saint whose shrine lies there – Batamallo locality in Srinagar remains flooded with devotees during the Urs days. But what attracts you apart from the hustle-bustle is the mouth-watering aroma coming from the household in the lanes and bylanes of this congested locality.
The women folk are busy preparing specialties, while men and children equally brace up to host parties at their homes. Nears and dears are invited for the special get-together called Batamaloo Sahibun Saal or the Batamaloo Sahib’s Feast.
The three iconic specialties prepared for the big feast include gogji aar ti chaman (Dried turnips with cheese), moong dal ti thool (moong sabat prepared with pre-fried boiled eggs) and a milky daal prepared with Zeera tadka. The preparations are served hot with rice.
But over the years, some of the new varieties like lotus stem and cheese, mushroom–cheese and crushed-cheese preparations have added to the menu. “One thing is clear that we never prepare any meat preparations during the Urs days nor any onion or garlic is consumed. And in fact even if we happen to go elsewhere we ensure not to consume such things,” explains a homemaker while preparing the delicacies.
Another such host, Saqib Ahmed, a banker by profession says, “Some of the prospective guests who can’t make it to the dawat will be sent their share packed to their homes because this not just tasty food but blessed meals which should reach the admirers.”
Zahir Ur Din, a prominent journalist-turned-historian says Batamaloo Sahib apart from being a saint was a landlord of his times. “His concern towards the poor and needy was such that he would run a langar where free vegetarian food used to be served to the people (irrespective of their caste, color religion or sex). Given his stature, Batamaloo Sahib could have relished the best of non-veg specialties but he himself also opted for vegetarian meals believing that in the price of one costly non-veg meals ten people could offered square meals.”
The devotees say there are no written guidelines to behave vegetarian during the festival. “This is purely a traditional mark of respect for the revered saint. This is done out of love and affection for his devotion.”
The Batamaloo Sahib Urs is observed only during the month of April, while the date of commencement is fixed annually by priests after some traditional lunatic calculations.
There is another interesting facet of this Urs. It so happens that ahead of the Urs days, strong winds generally hit the city. Devotees believe that winds have a spiritual element and link it with Urs preparations. “These winds serve like vacuum cleaners and sanitize the land. This is a good omen.”
Devotees have even named the winds after the saint at as they call it Batamaloo Sahibun Waaw, where waaw in Kashmiri means winds!
