The Largest Muslim Fair
This six-day fair, celebrated in the month of Rajab, commemorates the death anniversary of Khwaza Moin-ud-Din Chishti. The celebrations take place at the tomb of the Sufi saint at Ajmer in Rajasthan.
To honour the memory of Khwaza Moin-ud-Din Chishti, an Urs is held at his durgah in Ajmer, Rajasthan. The biggest Muslim fair in the country, it is spread over six days and begins on the first day of Rajab.
The festivities for the Urs commence on the 25th day of the previous month, Jamadi-ul-Akhir when at 5 AM, a white flag is hoisted on the grave of the Khwaza by the Sajjad Nashin. On the 29th day of the month, the jannati, or door, of the tomb is opened. This door symbolises a gateway to Jannat. It is believed that aman who crosses this threshold seven times will definitely go to Allah. On the first day of Rajab, at about 1 AM, the mausoleum is washed with sandal paste and rose water and anointed with perfumes. A well-embroidered chadar is then laid on the tomb by the Sajjad Nashin. This is the most important ritual of any Urs celebration.
In the morning, namaz is recited. In the evening after the Al-Fatiha ceremonies are performed, the pillars of the canopy covering the tomb are smeared with henna and wrapped with a kalawa.
According to the legend, the Khwaza entered his cell on the first day of the month of Rajab to meditate for five days. He is said to have died on the sixth day. As a result, the first five days of Rajab are considered auspicious. At night, a religious gathering is held in a large hall. Presided over by the Sajjad Nashin, who sits under a brocade tent, the proceedings start on his arrival. The Al-Fatiha is read by the priest, then a plate of batashes, which are placed on a pedestal before him, are distributed. This is followed by Qawwalis. Considered a gift of the Sufi saints to the music of the subcontinent, they form an important part of the Urs celebrations, which conclude on the sixth day. It is considered to be a day of great happiness and joy because of the belief that the death of this pioussaint would have led him straight to Allah.
Devotees from all over the world flock to this tomb, known for its power to fulfill wishes. Believers tie a kalawa on the pillars when seeking a favour. They are expected to untie the knot once their request has been granted. Donations are also made in cash or kind, for the welfare of the poor, or to fulfill an Islamic duty. The amount gifted depends on the status of the donor. Wealthy pilgrims often offer a Deg, an enormous cauldron of freshly cooked rice, butter and other condiments. Served while the food is still boiling hot, it is grabbed by the mob of devotees. Symbolising a gift from the rich to the poor, its purpose is to bridge the social gap.
Everyone, irrespective of caste, creed or sex, can partake of this food, which is considered sacred. It is believed that no one ever gets seriously burnt from the hot rice because of the blessings and special powers of the Khwaza.
The entire city of Ajmer is transformed into a centre for religious, cultural and commercial activity during the entire six days of the Urs. Qawwalis and poems in praise of the saint are sung throughout the night. A special fair is held where flowers, perfumes, rosaries, silver ornaments, beads, mussallahs ,brocade and toys are sold.
Khwaza Moin-ud-Din Chishti was the founder of the Chishti order. Some historians claim that he came to India because he had a prophetic dream at Medina to preach Islam here. According to others, he came from Persia as a member of Muhammad Gouri`s invading army in 1191. He settled in Ajmer, where he preached Islam until his death in 1233 AD, at the age of 91. A durgah was built in his memory. It is visited by people of all faiths to ask for favours or to give thanks for wishes fulfilled. The Khwaza was also known to have miraculous powers of healing both physical and mental illnesses.
Affectionately called Garib Nawaz, he was said to be an emancipator of Urs Moin-ud-Din Chishti the poor. Even today, the merchants of the market adjoining the durgah, calledthe Durgah Bazaar, lay their keys on the steps of the shrine every morning to seek his blessings for the day.