More than two centuries since its construction, the Arcot Dalaan continues to welcome pilgrims with the same warmth envisioned by its benefactor. It stands as a humble sanctuary — a southern salute to the eternal light of Khwaja Sahib.
Through this simple yet sacred space, the Nawabs of Arcot left behind not merely a structure, but a legacy of love, service, and faith — one that continues to echo in the prayers and footsteps of every pilgrim who passes through its serene arches.
Urs of Khwaja Gharib Nawaz: A Celebration of Divine Love and Devotion at Ajmer Sharif
The Ajmer Sharif Dargah , resting place of the revered Sufi saint Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti (R.A.) , is far more than a shrine. It is a living heartbeat of devotion, a symbol of love, tolerance, and spiritual unity. Throughout the year, this sacred complex hosts a variety of festivals and events that draw millions of devotees from every corner of the world. Among these, the Urs Sharif stands as the most significant, commemorating the saint's union with the Divine—a celebration of spiritual ascension rather than mourning, as the term Urs literally means "wedding," symbolizing the mystical union of the saint’s soul with Allah.
While Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and other sacred occasions light up Ajmer with festivity, the Urs of Khwaja Gharib Nawaz transforms the city into a radiant hub of faith, music, and spirituality. Every festival in Ajmer bears witness to Khwaja Sahib’s timeless message: love, service, and inclusiveness, transcending boundaries of religion, caste, and nationality.
Historical and Spiritual Significance of the Urs
The Urs of Ajmer Sharif is among the largest and most renowned Sufi festivals in the world, attracting devotees from all walks of life, from across India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, the Middle East, Europe, and even America. This celebration marks the saint’s death anniversary, observed not as a time of grief, but as a moment of eternal joy, when followers honor the legacy of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti—a life dedicated to compassion, tolerance, and service to humanity.
The Urs lasts six days , beginning from the 1st of Rajab in the Islamic calendar, although preparations start much earlier, sometimes from the 25th of the preceding month ( Jamadi-ul-Akhir ), when the flag is ceremoniously hoisted atop the Buland Darwaza , marking the impending arrival of this sacred festival. The celebration culminates with the Qul ceremony on the sixth day, coinciding with the time of the saint’s passing.
Historically, the Urs has enjoyed the support of rulers and patrons across generations. From the Mughal emperors , who offered grand donations and built monuments such as the Badi Deg and Buland Darwaza, to the Nizam of Hyderabad , whose family traditionally brings the first Urs flag, the festival has always commanded a blend of royal reverence and popular devotion. Emperor Akbar, for instance, walked barefoot from Agra to Ajmer to seek the saint’s blessings, an act that reflects both spiritual humility and royal patronage.
Preparations and City-wide Transformation
Weeks before the Urs, Ajmer is transformed into a spiritual city. Streets and avenues are adorned with lights and banners, temporary shelters and hospitality centers are established, and local residents open their homes to pilgrims. Trains and buses, including the famous “Garib Nawaz Express” , transport thousands of devotees daily. The city itself becomes a vibrant hub of devotion, commerce, and culture, reflecting centuries of tradition and the enduring appeal of the Dargah.
Rituals and Ceremonies of the Urs
The Urs is distinguished by a sequence of spiritually charged rituals, each designed to foster devotion, community, and connection with the Divine.
Flag Hoisting at Buland Darwaza
The festival officially begins with the ceremonial hoisting of the Urs flag at the Buland Darwaza, the grand gateway built by Sultan Mahmud Khilji. The flag, traditionally brought by the Nizam of Hyderabad’s family, is raised amid chants of “Ya Khwaja, Ya Gharib Nawaz!” , signaling six days of prayers, devotion, and celebration.
Opening of the Jannati Darwaza
Among the most revered moments is the opening of the Jannati Darwaza ( Gate of Paradise ), a silver-plated door located on the western side of the shrine. Pilgrims believe that passing through this gate with humility and faith brings blessings and spiritual purification. The ritual is performed exclusively during the Urs and on Eid al-Adha, adding to its sanctity.
Chadar Poshi
The Chadar Poshi is an emotive ritual of offering a richly embroidered ceremonial cloth over the saint’s tomb. Devotees perform this act of devotion to seek blessings and divine intercession, symbolizing love, reverence, and spiritual connection.
Mehfil-e-Sama and Qawwali
Each night, the Mehfil Khana resonates with soul-stirring Qawwali , the devotional music central to the Chishti Sufi tradition. Renowned qawwals from across India gather to perform, blending poetry, melody, and spiritual ecstasy ( wajd ). These assemblies, often continuing late into the night, invite devotees to experience divine love and transcendence.
Langar, Deg, and the Spirit of Service
A hallmark of the Urs is the continuous preparation and distribution of Langar , reflecting Khwaja Sahib’s message of equality, generosity, and service. The Badi Deg and Choti Deg , enormous cauldrons donated historically by Emperor Akbar and Emperor Jahangir, cook vast quantities of sweet rice ( Zarda or Kheer ) and other food items. This Tabarruk —consecrated food—is distributed to thousands daily, free of cost, regardless of caste, creed, or social status. The ritual of Deg Lootna , where devotees eagerly gather the sacred food, symbolizes shared spiritual fervor and collective devotion, a vivid display of humanity and unity.
Throughout the Urs, local residents, Khadims, and pilgrims collaborate tirelessly to ensure the food reaches everyone. Temporary kitchens and medical camps, along with the hospitality of locals, transform Ajmer into a city pulsating with generosity and devotion. Pilgrims often carry Tabarruk back to their homes across India and abroad, spreading the saint’s blessings far beyond Ajmer.
The Sandal Procession and Illumination
One of the most visually and spiritually striking rituals is the Sandal Sharif procession . A grand parade carries sandalwood paste, rosewater, and attar , accompanied by chanting pilgrims, qawwals, and flower showers along the streets of Ajmer. Upon arrival at the shrine, the sandal paste is applied to the walls of the Dargah, a practice believed to convey divine blessings to all who visit.
As the evening descends, the Dargah complex glows with thousands of shimmering lights , casting a celestial aura over Ajmer. The marble courtyards, domes, and minarets glisten under the illumination, creating a spectacle of divine and earthly beauty intertwined. This nightly illumination, coupled with continuous Qawwali sessions, transforms the city into a luminous haven of faith, devotion, and spiritual ecstasy.
Daily Spiritual Rhythm
Each day of the Urs carries its own rhythm and significance:
The first day marks the official flag-hoisting ceremony, commencing the festival.
The second and third days feature the Sandal procession and Langar, emphasizing charity, unity, and devotion.
The fifth day witnesses the ceremonial Ghusl (ablution) of the Mazar with rosewater, an act of reverence and purification.
The sixth day , known as Chatti Sharif , is the spiritual pinnacle, culminating in collective prayers, Quran recitation, and symbolic offerings.
The Bara Qul , the final prayer session, completes the Urs with the recitation of twelve chapters from the Quran, followed by heartfelt supplications for peace, mercy, and well-being for all humanity. The atmosphere is charged with devotion, introspection, and divine love, leaving pilgrims spiritually refreshed and uplifted.
Khidmat, Roshni, and Karka Rituals
The daily routines of Khidmat (service) continue with meticulous devotion during Urs. The Khadims perform rituals such as cleaning the tomb, offering fresh flowers, and applying sandalwood paste.
Dua-e-Roshni (Prayer of Lights): Every night, a special lighting ceremony is performed by the Khadims, accompanied by rhythmic drum beats and Persian verses of praise, creating an atmosphere of sanctity and spiritual resonance.
Karka (Closing Ceremony): Following the nightly prayers and Qawwali sessions, the gates of the sanctum are ceremoniously closed, signaling the end of the day’s spiritual observances and marking a reflective pause for devotees.
Global and Spiritual Significance
The Urs Sharif at Ajmer is not merely a local religious gathering; it is a monument to global unity, interfaith harmony, and spiritual resilience . Millions of pilgrims from across the world, regardless of religion, caste, or nationality, converge on Ajmer, creating a vivid tapestry of devotion and cultural exchange . This phenomenon reflects the saint’s core teaching of Sulh-i-Kul —peace with all—and demonstrates the universal appeal of Sufi spirituality.
The festival also strengthens the city’s economy and cultural vibrancy. Local markets flourish, selling Chadars (ceremonial cloths), incense, devotional literature, and handicrafts , while hospitality services, transportation, and temporary accommodations are mobilized to welcome pilgrims. The Urs has earned the epithet of a “Mini-Hajj” due to the sheer number of devotees and the scale of the spiritual and social engagement.
Royal Patronage and Historical Legacy
The Urs of Khwaja Gharib Nawaz has historically drawn the attention and reverence of rulers and saints alike. From Emperor Akbar , who walked barefoot from Agra to Ajmer seeking blessings, to the Nizams of Hyderabad and rulers of Rajasthan, every generation has contributed to the Dargah’s grandeur. The Jahaaz Deg and Buland Darwaza , built under imperial patronage, remain enduring symbols of devotion, while the Nizam Gate , commissioned by the Nizam of Hyderabad, continues to welcome millions of pilgrims annually.
This royal and historical support has preserved the Urs as a spiritually rich, meticulously organized event that combines ritual, charity, music, and celebration into a seamless experience of faith.
Legacy of Love and Universality
At its heart, the Urs of Ajmer is a living testament to the universality of Sufism . The Dargah belongs not to one community but to humanity. Pilgrims, whether Muslim or non-Muslim, rich or poor, young or old, gather to seek solace, blessings, and spiritual guidance. The timeless message of Khwaja Gharib Nawaz resonates through the centuries: “To feed the hungry, to love the poor, and to serve all humanity.”
The final night of the Urs, known as the Night of Union , illuminates the Dargah under thousands of lights, while hearts bow in prayer and devotion. As the last Qawwali fades into the desert breeze, the spiritual energy— the Noor of Khwaja Sahib —lingers in the hearts of all pilgrims. Ajmer continues to glow, not merely with physical light, but with the enduring spiritual illumination left behind by centuries of faith, devotion, and service.
Conclusion: A Celebration of Faith, Love, and Humanity
The Urs Sharif of Ajmer is more than a commemoration; it is a grand celebration of divine love, unity, and the enduring teachings of Sufism . Rooted in centuries-old traditions, illuminated by music, devotion, and acts of generosity, and embraced by people from all walks of life, it embodies the essence of Khwaja Gharib Nawaz’s message .
Every ritual, every prayer, every shared meal, and every song is a reminder that the doors of mercy are always open , inviting all to partake in the joy, blessings, and spiritual renewal offered by the saint. It is a festival that transcends time, culture, and geography—a beacon of hope, compassion, and harmony for millions around the world.