AJMER URS FESTIVAL

AJMER URS FESTIVAL

Ajmer Dargah Sharif in Rajasthan attracts thousands of pilgrims from across the country to seek the blessing of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, a Sufi saint. To witness the spirituality of this pilgrimage site, you must pay a visit to Ajmer especially during the Urs Festival which is celebrated in the 7th month of the Islamic lunar calendar (mainly falls in the month of March to May). The Arabic word, Urs literally means a wedding, and the festival symbolizes the union of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti with God. In other words, it marks the death anniversary of the Sufi saint which is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm as a wedding anniversary. Unquestionably, Ajmer expects a larger crowd during this festival and draws pilgrims from across the country. It’s the time when you can witness the cultural proceedings at Dargah which gets enlightened with colourful lightings. The calm and divine aura at Dargah gets lightly scented with sandalwood and perfumes the fill the air and colourful offerings are brought up by the devotees to pay respect to the Sufi Saint. 

Significance of Urs festival – 

 The word Urs comes from the Arabic language that literally means “Wedding” and it signifies the union of a lover (A Sufi Saint) with God. The festival marks the event dedicated to a Sufi Saint leaving the mortal form and ascending to the heavenly adobe. Surprisingly, the death anniversary is celebrated as the wedding in this fair in Ajmer. 

About Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti –  Born and brought up in Afghanistan in 1141, Moinuddin Chishti was turned to India as guided by Muhammad and established the Chishti Order of Sufism in the Indian subcontinent. The renowned Gharib Nawaz (supporter of the poor), the saint addressed feeding the hungry and helping those in suffering as the most eminent forms of devotion towards God. Upon his death, he was buried in a tomb at Ajmer which has today acquired the status of a famous holy shrine as Ajmer Sharif or Dargah Sharif. 

Reasons to visit Urs Festival – Here are some of the main reasons why should you visit the Urs Festival in Ajmer – 

 To feel the pleasure of listening to Qawwalis performed all the day 

To experience the dedication and offerings at Dargah

• To enjoy the brilliant display of fireworks and lightings 
• To witness the vibrant cultures of this festival 
• To savor the delicious Cauldrons of Kheer 

Things to do during the festival –During the Urs Festival 2021, there’s a lot to experience for those having a keen interest in experiencing the new traditions or rituals of different religions. While attending the fair, you can have a chance to enjoy many important events that take place in Dargah, which includes – 

• Flag Hoisting – at the main gate called Buland Darwaza, the successor Chishtis hoist the flag 
• Jannati Darwaza Opens – the gateway to heaven opens one day before the festival and pilgrims cross the door 7 times as a ritual  
• Ghusal – the sacred tomb is washed using Sandalwood paste and rosewater 
• Looting of Kheer – the looting of milk pudding (called kheer) is the blessed food is distributed
• Chhati Sharif – the offerings of prayers and Badhaawa (sacred Poem) are recited on a concluding day
• Qawwalis – devotional Sufi music throughout the day creates a magical environment
• Offering – votive offerings in respect of the saint to fulfill the wishes of visitors 
• Shopping – enjoy shopping from stalls selling stuff or handicrafts. 

Urs Fair Ajmer  is a remarkable way of experiencing new cultures or ritual proceedings of the Muslim religion. So, if you plan your visit to Ajmer or Pushkar, then plan a trip around Urs and pay homage to Dargah Sharif.