PULWAMA — The village of Inder in southern Kashmir's Pulwama district came alive with traditional fervour on Wednesday as thousands of devotees gathered to honour the memory of revered Sufi poet and saint Soch Kral. The annual festival, held at the poet's shrine, drew men and women, young and old, who travelled from across southern Kashmir to pay tribute to the saint.
The day was marked by deep reverence and an outpouring of love for the poet, whose verses continue to resonate with the people of Kashmir. Devotees were seen reciting Soch Kral's poetry and recounting stories of his life, a testament to the enduring legacy of the Sufi saint.
On a stage set up in a nearby park, artists performed Soch Kral’s poetry, accompanied by traditional Kashmiri musical instruments. The performances, infused with the mystical spirit of Sufi traditions, moved many in the crowd, bringing them closer to the spiritual essence of the poet’s work.
"The words of Soch Kral are not just poetry; they are a guide to living a meaningful life," said Ghulam Hassan, a resident of Ugergund village. "His teachings on love, peace, and devotion have touched the hearts of generations."
For many, the annual visit to the shrine is an opportunity to connect with the Sufi traditions that are a cornerstone of Kashmiri culture. Visitors shared their personal reflections on the poet's impact on their lives.
"Coming here every year is a reminder of our roots and our rich cultural heritage," said Farooq Ahmad, a visitor from Shopian. "Soch Kral's poetry has a way of speaking to the soul, and being here, surrounded by his words and the melodies of our traditional music, is a deeply spiritual experience."
The festival also served as a moment of togetherness, as people from different walks of life mingled and shared their admiration for the poet.
"Today, we celebrate not just a poet, but a philosophy of life that has shaped our collective identity," said Mohammad Yasin, a scholar who attended the event. "Soch Kral's message of universal love and compassion is more relevant today than ever.
This post first appeared on The Kashmir Pulse
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