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Bangladesh-India Urs special train

A symbol of friendship for over 100 years


Published : 15 Feb 2024 10:15 PM

Chuadanga Darshana witnessed a significant event as a special train, carrying 2250 passengers, embarked on a journey to Midnapore, West Bengal, India, for the annual Ursh Sharif at the Jora Mosque on Thursday.

The journey started from Rajbari at 10:30 PM on Wednesday, with the train reaching Darshana International Railway Station by 12:30 PM. Following necessary document checks at immigration, the train adhered to all government rules and regulations as it departed for India from Darshana station at 10:30 AM.

Onboard the train, 2,250 devotees from Bangladesh embarked on their pilgrimage to Ursh Sharif on the 123rd occasion. The composition included 1312 men, 858 women, and 80 children, all set to participate in the annual religious event in Midnapore, West Bengal.

General Secretary of Anjuman-i-Qaderiyya, Abdul Aziz Qaderi said, “On the night of February 17, the holy procession of Hazrat Al-Baghdadi Al-Medinapuri (A.S.), the descendant of Hazrat Abdul Qader Jilani (R.A.) will be held at Midnapore Jora Mosque. 

For more than a hundred years, this international special train has been bridging the two countries and paying respect to all religions on the Ursh festival. Since 1902, the Bangladesh Government and India have been jointly organizing this train around Ursh.”

Every year on this day, devotees embark on a journey to Midnapore 

with the hope of drawing closer to the descendants of Barapir Abdul Quader Jilani, and seeking their blessings, he added. 

Simultaneously, various ceremonies take place at Khanka Sharif, the prominent mosque in Rajbari, in conjunction with the Ursh celebration, attracting followers of the Peer. 

Aziz Qaderi further said that the Indian Embassy plays a crucial role by issuing visas specifically for Ursh participants, with recommendations from the Indian government and cooperation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh.

In this regard, Darshana International Immigration Incharge Atiq Hasan said that the railway authorities have taken all measures so that the passengers can reach their destination safely. Guards, electricians, attendants have been provided to ensure that there is no disturbance inside the train. Passengers will return home on the same train after Ursh on February 19. 

Superintendent in charge of Darshana International Railway Station Mirza Kamrul Hasan said that the special train with 2,250 passengers left for India at 10:30 am on Thursday.