Ajmer buzzes yearly with a unique blend of religious fervour and festive euphoria. This enthusiasm is for the URS Festival, one of the most significant events in the Islamic calendar, celebrated in memory of the highly revered Sufi Saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. In this article, you can take a sneak peek at the grandeur and significance of the URS Festival, a radiant spectacle of faith, devotion, and multiculturalism.
Understanding URS –
URS word comes from an Arabic word meaning "wedding". In the Sufi context, it refers to the "wedding" of the saint with God, marking the anniversary of their departure from this world. URS Festival of Khawaja Moinuddin Chishti, fondly known as Gareeb Nawaz (Benefactor of the Poor), is commemorated with great enthusiasm and respect at his resting place, the Dargah Sharif in Ajmer.
Historical Significance –
Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, a Sufi saint from Persia, is believed to have introduced the Chishti order of Sufism to the Indian subcontinent. Popular for his profound wisdom, benevolence, and teachings of love and peace, his influence transcended religious boundaries, attracting followers from different faiths.
The URS Festival –
The festival is held over six days and usually falls in the Islamic months of Rajab. It commences with the hoisting a white flag on the Buland Darwaza by the Sajjada Nashin of the Chishtis.
Rituals and Celebrations –
The Mehfil-e-Sama is a major rite in which Qawwali (Sufi devotional music) performances echo around the Dargah premises, generating an ethereal aura. Listening to these soul-stirring renditions is thought to induce spiritual rapture.
The entire Dargah Sharif is lavishly decorated with colourful drapes and lights throughout the festival. Large cauldrons cook massive amounts of consecrated food (langar), including the saint's favourite dish, sweet rice flavoured with saffron and dry fruits, which is offered to followers
. The festival's high point is the 'Chhati' ceremony, performed on the sixth day to commemorate the saint's connection with God. Devotees leave 'Chadar,' 'Ghilaph,' and 'Neema' (different types of covers) at the saint's tomb. The night of the 'Chhati' is filled with devotion and prayers, with thousands of devotees flocking to the holy temple during Ajmer Tour Package.
The final ceremony, known as 'Qul,' marks the end of the URS. Prayers are spoken, and Fatiha (blessings) and Salam (greetings) are chanted before the 'Kheer Bharna' ceremony (the filling of a vessel with sweet rice pudding).
A religious atmosphere of Unity –
The URS festival attracts millions of pilgrims from all over the world, regardless of their religious views. It is a monument to Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti's secular teachings, emphasising love, tolerance, and harmony. Hindus, Muslims, and people of various religions sit together, worship, and eat together, creating an atmosphere of fraternity and unity.
URS Bazaar –
A temporary bazaar known as the URS Bazaar develops around the Dargah Sharif during the URS. The colourful stalls sell a wide range of things, including religious artefacts, prayer mats, rosaries, traditional clothing, jewellery, and local handicrafts. The smells of street cuisine and the mesmerizing melodies of qawwali flood the air, adding to the joyful atmosphere.
Experiencing the cultural URS –
Taking part in the URS Festival provides a profound spiritual journey filled with tranquillity, devotion, and a sense of solidarity. However, because of the big crowds, it is recommended that you take care of your valuables and obey the guest's instructions. Women and men enter the Dargah through separate doors, and suitable clothes covering the head and body are necessary as a gesture of respect.
The URS Festival of Ajmer celebrates humanity, love, and communal harmony, not only religion. It is a period when Ajmer transforms into a melting pot of different cultures, echoing the teachings of its famous saint. The air is filled with faith and enthusiasm, generating a spiritual aura that touches everyone in attendance. The URS Festival in Ajmer offers an amazing experience that transcends religious barriers and joins hearts in a shared chord of spirituality, whether you seek divine blessings or are an observer of cultural diversity on the Ajmer Sightseeing Tour.