Keri: At Kone in Priol, a dargah of Hazrat Pir Mughul Shah Rehmatullah Alaha in the area once known as Mughalbhat is maintained and protected by local Hindus, as there is currently no Muslim settlement nearby.A few people know that Hindu-dominated Priol is etymologically linked to the tradition of worshipping the Pir. The century-old dargah, dedicated to a Sunni Muslim saint, stands a few metres off the Panaji–Ponda road under the shade of trees.Rohidas Satarkar of Kone said residents consider the Pir the guardian of the area. Every Thursday, they light a lamp and incense sticks, offering sugar and khajur (dates). During Paush, on the occasion of the Dhalo festival, the Pir is offered a special vegetarian khichadi.Lala Anant Satarkar said the Pir is regarded as a folk deity and respected since ancient times, and people seek the Pir’s blessings in times of need. He added that before Shivaji Maharaj conquered Ponda, Priol was under Mughal and Adil Shahi (Bijapur) rule, and later came under the Saundekars, yet local Hindus continued the tradition of reverence.During festivals, Muslim devotees visit the dargah to offer prayers and place a new carpet, while throughout the year the local Hindu community continues its upkeep. Locals believe the Pir represents communal harmony.A Pir is a spiritual guide in the Sufi tradition, known for imparting humanitarian values to followers across communities.
Every Thursday, Hindu locals light a lamp and offer sugar and khajur (dates).
