Urs Festival
The Urs Festival is a revered event that is celebrated annually in India. It is observed to commemorate the death anniversary of one of the most famous Sufi saints of India, Moinuddin Chishti, also known as the “Gharib Nawaz” (benefactor of the poor). The festival is celebrated in the Mazaar Sharif, or shrine complex, in Ajmer, Rajasthan and this year marks the 811th Urs.
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Moinuddin Chishti
A Renowned Sufi Saint Moinuddin Chishti is considered as one of the most influential Sufi saints in India. He is believed to be the direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad and is the founder of the Chishtiya Sufi order in India. Moinuddin Chishti was born in 1141 AD in Sistan (present-day Iran) and he passed away in 1236 AD in Ajmer, India. He is renowned for his teachings of love, compassion, and peace, which have a profound impact on the people of India even today.
The Urs Festival
A Celebration of Moinuddin Chishti’s Legacy The Urs Festival is celebrated in Ajmer, Rajasthan each year on the 6th Rajab (7th month of the Islamic calendar) in the Mazaar Sharif, or shrine complex. The festival is a symbol of devotion and reverence for Moinuddin Chishti and is attended by thousands of devotees from across India and other countries. The festival is marked by the singing of devotional songs, recitation of prayers, and offerings of flowers and sweets at the shrine.
Recent Developments
The Urs Festival was observed with great fervor and devotion, as Prime Minister Modi presented the chadar for offering at the Ajmer Sharif Dargah. The gesture has been widely appreciated by the Muslim community and has been seen as a symbol of unity and peace in the country.