Urs Festival in Ajmer

The dargah at Ajmer holds the remains of one of the most revered Sufi saints, Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti. The Urs Festival is held to mark the death anniversary of the revered saint, and is known for attracting people from far and wide, making it the largest Muslim festival in India. During the festival, people from across the country come here to pray for the fulfillment of a dear wish, for it is well known here that the good saint never disappoints faithfuls. Moinuddin Chisti is known as the Gareeb Nawaz, or the savior of the poor.

Many devotees together create the chadar, neema and gilaf that are offered to the saint on this occasion. Prayers are attended by men, where the saint’s contributions are recalled. The more secular events here are the qwawali and mehfils held to commemorate the teaching of the saint. Another event, attended by all, is the loot of kheer, a traditional pudding made of rice and milk. The kheer is prepared in two massive vessels and later distributed among the people.

The offerings here are simple – a garland of flowers, incense – whatever the devotee can afford. The Gate of Heaven, inside the complex, is opened to allow devotees to cross it in the belief that is assures them a place in heaven. The tomb itself is washed as a mark of respect to the Khwaja. Then it is covered with the chadar created for the purpose.

One of the most well attended events during the festival is the poetry recitation, held in the large hall. Here, poets from all walks of life are allowed to participate, and they recite compositions about the life and times of Moinuddin Chisti.

It is not just the dargah that wears a look of festivity, as the entire town is prepared well in advance for the event. Colorful banners and buntings are hung on the buildings, the roads are lined with miles of lightbulbs on wires, and people start congregating here days before the festival starts. If you are in Rajasthan in the months of October to November, this is one event you should not miss.