In an unprecedented move, the annual Urs of Hazrat Shah Paran (R) in Sylhet concluded this year without the traditional distribution of shirni, a practice that has continued for centuries as part of the spiritual and cultural heritage of the shrine.
The shrine’s caretakers confirmed that the decision came following instructions from the administration, citing security concerns over possible unrest. Shirni distribution, usually held on the concluding day after Quran recitation, zikr, milad, the offering of gilaf, cattle sacrifice, and the final munajat, has been an integral part of the Urs for over 700 years. It was only during the Covid-19 pandemic that this tradition was once temporarily suspended.
“This has never happened before. Considering the country’s current situation, the administration told us to suspend shirni distribution, and we had no choice but to comply,” said Abdul Aziz, one of the shrine’s caretakers.
Civil society members and heritage conservationists have expressed strong concerns over the move. Rezaul Kibria, trustee of the Environment and Heritage Conservation Trust, remarked, “Shirni distribution is not just a religious ritual; it is part of our culture. Stopping it in the name of security means destroying tradition.”
Former president of the Sylhet District Bar Association, Emad Ullah Shahidul Islam Shahin, added, “Shirni is equal for rich and poor. Especially for the underprivileged, it means at least one full meal. Halting this is deeply unfortunate.”
Echoing similar concerns, Abdul Hai Al Hadi, chief coordinator of Save the Heritage and Environment, stated, “It is unreasonable to stop shirni distribution on the excuse of possible clashes. With proper security measures, the tradition could continue as before.”
Sylhet Metropolitan Police assured that maximum security measures were deployed, with police, RAB, army, DGFI, NSI, and other agencies on the ground, alongside drone surveillance. However, the decision to cancel shirni distribution despite such security has raised further questions.
Earlier, Police Commissioner Md. Rezaul Karim had emphasized strict monitoring to prevent any “un-Islamic” activities around the shrine. Sylhet Deputy Commissioner Md. Sarwar Alam claimed he had no official information on the matter, though he suggested the decision might have been taken to preserve law and order.
Local residents, heritage activists, and civil society stress that shirni distribution is not merely symbolic but a deeply emotional tradition tied to the Urs. They argue that instead of suspending it, the administration must ensure safety while preserving cultural and religious practices.
