‘No night stay’: Urs at Shivaji-era fort goes low-key after court restrictions | Kolhapur News
KOLHAPUR: In response to the current sensitive situation, the state archaeological department’s director has prohibited the Urs at Vishalgad through orders issued late on Friday night, citing the fort’s status as a state-protected monument. The Shahuwadi tehsildar has additionally implemented prohibitory orders from June 1 to 15, under section 163 of the Indian Civil Code, 2023. Visitors may access the fort only between 9am and 5pm, with no overnight stays permitted.However, Imran Abdulgani Mujawar, a trustee of the Hazrat Peer Malik Rehan dargah at Vishalgad, said, “The Urs at Vishalgad, a symbol of unity of all religions, will be held from June 8 to 10 following the orders issued by the high court. A large number of Hindu and Muslim devotees from Maharashtra and Karnataka attend this Urs every time. This time, the celebration will be a low-key affair following all the terms and conditions imposed by the court and by the administration.“The Bombay high court’s permission via writ petition number 7121/2023, granted on June 3, 2025, specifies guidelines for animal sacrifice between June 8 and 12 in designated private areas. The gram panchayat administration has established procedures according to the assistant commissioner of animal husbandry’s written directives, which have been conveyed to the dargah trustees.The district administration has heightened security measures at Vishalgad following warnings from Hindutva organisations about disrupting the Urs.Inspector Vijay Gherde, of Shahuwadi, said, “Following the court orders, traditional rituals of the Urs will be held at the fort by the dargah trustees in a low-key manner. Outside citizens and tourists will be allowed to visit the fort only between 9am and 5pm. No outsider will be allowed to stay at the fort after 5pm. Strict action will be taken against anyone who violates the rules or the court orders.”The Urs celebrations at Vishalgad take place biannually, during Bakrid and in Jan. Devotees are drawn to witness what they believe is the miraculous automatic opening of the dargah door each night, which typically draws large processions.
