Urs (Ajmer)

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The Urs at Ajmer, a city in the Indian state of Rajasthan, celebrates the anniversary of the death of Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishty with six days of music, fairs and night-long qawwali singing. The anniversary is celebrated in the seventh month of lunar calendar. Thousands of pilgrims visit from all over India and abroad.

Urs of Khwaja Gharib Nawaz (R.A.) is celebrated every year in the first week of Islamic month of Rajab, on seeing the moon of Rajab, the seventh month of the Islamic calendar, drums are beaten to herald the commencement of the annual ceremony.

The word Urs has been derived from “UROOS” which means “ultimate meeting of an individual with God” it is said that Huzoor Gharib Nawaz (R.A.) spent last six days of his life in Seclusion in a Huzra (room meant for prayers) and the 6th day of Rajab, his noble soul left the corporeal body. Every year Urs Mubarak is celebrated on his death anniversary in the Islamic month of Rajab.

Although Urs held for the first six days of Rajab. Yet the 6th day is regarded to be the most special and auspicious. It is called “Chati Sharif”. It is celebrated on the 6th Rajab between 10:00 A.M. to 1:30 P.M. Inside the Mazar Sharif. Shijra is read by Khadims (duty bound) of Khwaja Gharib Nawaz then Fariyad (Prayers) start for people present at the Dargah and for the country and its people for the peace and prosperity and also those who are not present but have sent Nazar-o-Niyaz to the Khadims to mark their presence for their welfare and for the promotion of brotherhood amongst them. Khadims of Khwaja Gharib Nawaz tie small turbans on each others head and present Nazar (offerings in cash or kind).

Just before the Qu'l (conclusion of 6th Rajab Chhati Sharif) Bhadawa is sung at the main entrance of the Shrine by Qwwals which literally means a poem or verses in praise of Allah, His Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) or famous Sufis (Auliyas).

Badahwa is the only recitation which is accompanied by talis (clapping) only, and no other instrument is played. It was composed by Hazrat Syed Behlol Chishty, one of the ancestor of Khadims who again refers to Khwaja Moinuddin Chishty (R.A) as Khwaja Hasan Dan. After its recitation, the ceremony of the Qul comes to an end and Fatiha is recited. The ceremony is marked closed by firing a cannon at 1:30 P.M. in afternoon