Six days of fair and festival at
Ajmer is held to commemorate the ultimate reunion of the soul of Wali Allah Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishty with Allah or God. Ajmer is a small town in Ajmer but Dargah Sharif, the sacred mausoleum of the founder of Chishtiya sufi order in India, is one of the most famous pilgrimage places for Muslims. Urs at Ajmer is celebrated as the death anniversary of the Sufi saint in the seventh month of Islamic Calendar, known as Rajab, every year. It is believed during last six days of his life, Khwaja spent his life in seclusion in Huzra or the prayer room. Thus, nigh long qawwali and religious hymns are sung for six days in remembrance of his tireless meditation. Thousands of pilgrims visit Ajmer during this auspicious occasion to pay their homage to the saint and gather blessings.
The sixth day is considered especially sacred and special and is known as ‘Chati Sharif. On this day, celebrations start at around 10:00 AM. Khwaja Chisty was also known as ‘Gharib Nawaz’ for his compassion for the poor. His followers read Shijra in the Majar Sharif on this day and then pray collectively for peace, prosperity, brotherhood and welfare of India and its people. Badahwa, recitation of verses in the praise of Allah, Prophet and Aulia Ikraam, are sung only to the tune of timed clapping, followed by Fatiha or first seven verses of Quran. A cannon is fired at around 1:30 PM to mark the end of the ceremony.
Believed to be the direct descendant of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad, Khwaja Chisty was born in 1142 AD in Iran. He became famous as one of the most prominent spiritual healers of his time and promoted love, harmony and peace. He settled in Ajmer in India and since then, his shrine has been attracting a number of pilgrims every year. He preached ideal Islamic philosophy that believes in humanity and unity. Revered not only by Muslims but also by people of all faiths, Dargah Sharif in Ajmer is the burial site of his relics and mortal remains. It is believed that during six days of Urs, about 5 lakh people visit
Ajmer. Devotees offer rose, jasmine, incense sticks, natural essences or perfumes, sandalwood paste, chadar or beautiful coverings, and neem at the sacred tomb while professional qawwals sing praises of the saint casting a spell on their audience.
