Amit Khanna
Sameer Staff answered 5 months ago
Ajmer Sharif Dargah, dedicated to the Sufi saint Moinuddin Chishti, hosts several significant festivals throughout the year. Here are the major festivals celebrated at Ajmer Sharif Dargah, along with relevant details for first-time visitors:
1. Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti
Date: Celebrated annually from the 1st to the 6th of Rajab (Islamic month), which varies according to the Islamic lunar calendar.
Significance: Marks the death anniversary of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, the founder of the Chishti Order of Sufism. It is the most significant and widely attended festival at the Dargah.
Celebrations: The Urs includes a series of religious and cultural events, including special prayers (dua), recitations of Sufi poetry, qawwali performances (devotional music), and processions. Pilgrims from across the world come to pay their respects and seek blessings.
2. Basant Panchami
Date: Celebrated in January or February (exact date varies each year).
Significance: A Hindu festival dedicated to Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, music, and arts. Although not directly linked to the Dargah, it is celebrated by devotees who come to seek blessings for academic and artistic pursuits.
Celebrations: The Dargah is decorated, and special prayers and offerings are made. It’s a time when both Hindu and Muslim devotees gather.
3. Eid-ul-Fitr
Date: Celebrated at the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting (exact date varies each year).
Significance: Eid-ul-Fitr is a major Islamic festival marking the end of Ramadan. It is a time of joy, feasting, and giving thanks to Allah.
Celebrations: Special prayers are held at the Dargah, and the shrine is illuminated and decorated. The festival is marked by the distribution of food and sweets to the poor and needy.
4. Eid-ul-Adha (Bakrid)
Date: Celebrated on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the twelfth month of the Islamic lunar calendar (exact date varies each year).
Significance: Eid-ul-Adha commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah. It’s also known as the Festival of Sacrifice.
Celebrations: Special prayers are held at the Dargah, and sacrifices of animals are performed. The festival is marked by the distribution of meat to the less fortunate.
5. Mawlid al-Nabi
Date: Celebrated on the 12th of Rabi’ al-Awwal, the third month of the Islamic calendar (exact date varies each year).
Significance: Mawlid al-Nabi marks the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. It’s a day of reverence and celebration of the Prophet’s life and teachings.
Celebrations: The Dargah hosts special prayers and gatherings. Devotional music and recitations are performed to honor the Prophet.
6. Raat-ul-Miraj
Date: Celebrated on the 27th of Rajab (Islamic month, date varies each year).
Significance: Commemorates the night journey of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Jerusalem and his ascent to Heaven.
Celebrations: Special prayers and ceremonies are held at the Dargah. Devotees participate in prayers and listen to religious discourses.
7. Raat-ul-Barat
Date: Celebrated on the 15th of Sha’ban (Islamic month, date varies each year).
Significance: Known as the Night of Forgiveness, it is believed that on this night, Allah grants forgiveness and blessings to believers.
Celebrations: Special prayers and devotional activities are carried out at the Dargah. Devotees spend the night in prayers and seek forgiveness and blessings.
Tips for First-Time Visitors:
Dress Code: Modest clothing is recommended. Ensure your attire covers arms and legs as a mark of respect.
Timing: Be mindful of prayer times and the schedule of festivals to plan your visit accordingly.
Security: Be prepared for security checks at the Dargah due to large crowds, especially during festivals.
Respect: Follow the customs and etiquette observed at the Dargah. Maintain silence and show respect during prayers and ceremonies.
Local Customs: It’s customary to offer a chadar (a piece of cloth) at the shrine. You can purchase it from shops near the Dargah.
Experiencing these festivals can provide a deep insight into the rich cultural and religious traditions associated with the Ajmer Sharif Dargah.
Subhash Staff answered 3 months ago
The Ajmer Sharif Dargah in Ajmer, Rajasthan, is a renowned Sufi shrine dedicated to the revered saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. Several important festivals and events are celebrated at the dargah, attracting pilgrims from all over the world. Here are the key festivals celebrated at Ajmer Sharif Dargah:
1. Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti
Time: 1st to 6th day of Rajab (7th month of the Islamic lunar calendar)
Significance: The annual commemoration of the death anniversary of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, known as Urs, meaning “wedding” or “union with the divine”.
Special Features:
Chadar Poshi: Offering of chadars (ceremonial cloths) on the saint’s tomb.
Qawwali: Devotional music sessions where qawwals sing in praise of the saint.
Langar: Community meals served to devotees.
Religious Discourses: Sermons and readings from the holy texts.
Processions: Processions led by devotees and dargah officials, including the carrying of ceremonial flags.
2. Eid-ul-Fitr
Time: End of Ramadan (Islamic holy month of fasting)
Significance: Celebrates the end of Ramadan with prayers, feasts, and charity.
Special Features:
Eid Prayers: Special prayers held at the dargah.
Feasting: Special meals and sweets distributed among devotees.
Charity: Distribution of alms to the poor and needy.
3. Eid-ul-Adha (Bakrid)
Time: 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah (last month of the Islamic lunar calendar)
Significance: Commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God.
Special Features:
Eid Prayers: Special prayers held at the dargah.
Qurbani: Ritual sacrifice of animals, with the meat distributed to the needy.
Community Meals: Sharing of food with family, friends, and the less fortunate.
4. Milad-un-Nabi (Mawlid)
Time: 12th day of Rabi’ al-awwal (3rd month of the Islamic lunar calendar)
Significance: Celebrates the birth of the Prophet Muhammad.
Special Features:
Processions: Devotional processions and gatherings.
Recitations: Recitations of poems and verses in praise of the Prophet.
Feasts: Special meals and sweets distributed among devotees.
Charity: Acts of charity and distribution of food to the needy.
5. Shab-e-Barat
Time: Night of the 15th day of Sha’ban (8th month of the Islamic lunar calendar)
Significance: A night of forgiveness, where it is believed that God writes the destinies of all people for the coming year.
Special Features:
Night Prayers: Special prayers and recitations throughout the night.
Illumination: The dargah is beautifully illuminated with lights and candles.
Fasting: Many devotees observe a fast on this day.
6. Jumma (Friday Prayers)
Time: Every Friday
Significance: The weekly congregational prayers, considered the most important prayer of the week.
Special Features:
Jumma Namaz: Large gatherings for the Friday prayers.
Sermons: Religious sermons and teachings delivered by the imams.
Charity: Acts of charity and distribution of food to the needy.
These festivals and events at the Ajmer Sharif Dargah are marked by deep spiritual fervor, communal harmony, and a spirit of devotion and service. They attract a diverse crowd of devotees, reflecting the inclusive and universal message of Sufism propagated by Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti.