Food

Ajmer Sharif Dargah Witnesses Huge Devotee Rush as 10-Day Muharram Urs Celebrations Begin

Salaam people National Desk

News Input by Sufi Islamic Board & Picture by Iftikhar Barudgar

The “Mini Urs” (also known locally as Chhoti Urs or the Muharram Urs) at the Ajmer Sharif Dargah is a deeply layered 10-day observance. It functions simultaneously as a solemn commemoration of Islamic history and a celebration of the Chishti Sufi lineage.

1. Dual Significance: Martyrdom and Birth
The small Urs exists due to an intersections of two highly significant dates on the Islamic lunar calendar:
The Martyrdom of Imam Hussain: The first 10 days of Muharram are universally observed by Muslims to mourn the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (the grandson of Prophet Muhammad) and his 72 companions at the Battle of Karbala.

The Urs of Khwaja Fakhruddin Chishti: These exact same days mark the Urs (death anniversary, celebrated as a spiritual union) of Hazrat Khwaja Fakhruddin Chishti, the eldest son of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti (Garib Nawaz). Because his memory is intrinsically tied to the primary Dargah lineage, the local caretakers (Khuddam) hold this smaller, dedicated festival.

2. Specific Rituals of the Muharram Mini Urs
While the main annual Urs in the month of Rajab features massive celebratory crowds and international delegations, the Muharram Urs focuses heavily on spiritual reflection, mourning, and specific historical customs
The Opening of Baba Farid’s Chilla: A defining highlight of this period happens between the 4th and 6th of Muharram. The Hujra (meditation cell/Chilla) of the legendary Sufi saint Hazrat Baba Fariduddin Ganjshakar—which stays locked for the entire year—is opened to the public. Thousands of pilgrims queue for hours just to pass through or catch a glimpse of this highly sacred room.
No Qawwali, Only Marsiyas: Out of respect for the tragedy of Karbala, the joyful and ecstatic Qawwali (Sufi music) sessions that define the main Urs are paused. Instead, the atmosphere shifts to the recitation of Marsiyas (elegies) and Nohas (poems of mourning) detailing the sacrifices made by the Prophet’s family.
The Tazia Processions: On the 9th and 10th of Muharram (Ashura), beautiful, miniature replicas of Imam Hussain’s tomb (called Tazias) are brought to the Dargah premises. Traditional drums (Tasha and Nagara) are played in structured, slow rhythms to signal the days of mourning.

3. Community Kitchens (Langar & Niyaz)
During these 10 days, the massive historical cooking cauldrons inside the courtyard—the Badi Deg and Chhoti Deg—are heavily utilized. Special sweet dishes, syrups (Sherbet), and savory rice mixed with lentils (representing the scarce rations available during the siege of Karbala) are cooked and distributed as Tabarruk (blessed food) to thousands of visitors, poor people, and seekers daily.

Speaking on this URS Daulat Khan the General Secretary of Maulaiyat Committee, Markaz E Ajmer said that Islam which we know in these times is because of the Shahadat of Imam Hussain a .s. and his companions and therefore this Moharram URS is observed so that the future generations do not forget the hardships the Prophet’s grandson and his companions faced to save Islam.

Sufi Islamic Board National President Mansoor Khan said that Huzoor Gareeb Nawaz r.a. had written a Persian verse which is
Shah ast Hussain, Badshah ast Hussain:
Ruler is Hussain, Emperor is Hussain.
Deen ast Hussain, Deen-panah ast Hussain: Faith is Hussain, Guardian of the Faith is Hussain.
Sar dad-o-na dad dast, dar dast-e-Yazed:
He offered his head, but not his hand [to the tyrant] Yazid.

Haqaa ke bina-e-La-ilaha ast Hussain:
Indeed, the very foundation of the declaration “La ilaha” (that none but God is absolute) is Hussain.
According to Huzoor Gareeb Nawaz r.a. versus Imam Hussain a.s. is the Faith and the Guardian of Faith so this mimi URS is observed in memory of Imam Hussain a s. and his companions who were myrtered to save Deen (Faith) and because of their martyrdom true faith has been preserved.