Urs Ajmer Sherif, Ajmer

Ajmer in Rajasthan is a place of pilgrimage both for the Hindus as well as the Muslims. Ajmer houses the sepulcher of the Sufi saint- Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. The saint died in 1235 and lies in peace in this place, which is also known as the Dargah Sharif. The marble- vaulted mausoleum is one of the pre-eminent Muslim shrines in India that draws innumerable pilgrims every year. Interestingly there is a popular legend that speaks about the Mughal Emperor, Akbar the Great who visited the saint- Moinuddin Chishti in the 16th century to seek a boon for an heir and was consequently blessed with a son. Urs Ajmer Sharif is the annual pilgrimage that is observed in the month of May at the Dargah.

Millions of devotees irrespective of caste, creed and religion visit Ajmer to pay homage and seek the blessings of this illustrious saint. The sick come here to heal their ailments while the childless and the troubled visit this auspicious dargah to seek blessings and peace of mind. The tomb is overcrowded with people who stand in serpentine queues that extend over several kilometers. After offering prayers they savor the sanctified food known as 'tabarukh' (sweet rice with dry fruits and condiments) cooked in large cauldrons.

Inside the Dargah lies a mosque erected by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and is an architectural masterpiece with ornate calligraphic inscriptions and intricate trelliswork.

Special prayers are offered here and quwwallis are sung at night. The entire town of Ajmer is adorned with buntings that enhance the spirit of gaiety.