About Urs Fair
The Urs are held every year at the dargah of the Sufi Saint Khwaja
Moinuddin Chisti, commemorating his symbolic union with God. Pilgrims from
all over the world gather here to pay homage. Qawalisand poems are presented
in the saint's honour. At the huge fair that springs up at this time,
religious objects, books, rosaries, embroidered carpets and silver ornaments
are on sale.
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The Legend : The Urs is initiated with the hoisting of a white flag on
the dargah by the Sajjada Nashin (successor representative) of Chishtis. It
is done on the 25th of Jamadi-ul-Akhir (sixth lunar month), with the
accompaniment of music. On the last day of the sixth month, the
Jannati-Darwaza (gateway of heaven) is flung open early in the morning.
People cross this gate seven times with the belief that they will be assured
a place in heaven. On the 1st of Rajab, the tomb is washed with rose water
and sandalwood paste and anointed with perfumes. This ritual is called
ghusal. The tomb is then covered with an embroidered silk cloth by the
Sajjada Nashin.
» The Offerings : The pilgrims who come to seek the
blessings of the Khwaja make rich offerings called 'nazrana' at the holy
spot where the saint has been entombed. The offerings of rose and jasmine
flowers, sandalwood paste, perfumes and incense contribute to the fragrance
that floats in the air inside the shrine. Cash offerings are also made. Also
offered by devotees are the 'chadar', 'ghilaph' and 'neema', which are
votive offerings for the tomb. These are brought by devotees on their heads
and handed over to the 'khadims' inside the sanctum sanctorum.
» Mehfils : At night, religious assemblies called
mehfils are held in the mehfil-khana, a large hall meant for this purpose.
These are presided over by the Sajjada Nashin of the dargah. Qawwalis are
sung and the hall is packed to capacity. There are separate places reserved
for women who attend the mehfil. The mehfil terminates late in the night
with a mass prayer for the eternal peace of the Khwaja in particular and
mankind in general.
How to get there !
» By Road : Rajasthan Roadways have regular bus
services from New Delhi, running deluxe and air conditioned coaches from
Bikaner house, Delhi. Ajmerr is also well connected with the other cities of
Rajasthan. With good road conditions you can also travel by private
car/taxi.
» By Rail : Shatabdhi connects Ajmer to Delhi.
Shatabdhi is fully air conditioned train starts from Delhi to Jaipur. There
are other trains also to Ajmer from other cities in rajasthan.
