Your Travel Partner
SINCE 1989
Your Travel Partner
SINCE 1989
The Khwaja Garib Nawaz Urs Festival is an important annual Sufi gathering held at Ajmer Sharif Dargah in Rajasthan. The festival commemorates the death anniversary of the revered Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chishti, popularly known as Khwaja Garib Nawaz.
Located in Ajmer, the dargah welcomes people from different religions and backgrounds throughout the year. During the Urs, devotees and visitors arrive from across India and other countries to offer prayers and seek blessings.
The word “Urs” means union or wedding. In Sufi tradition, it represents the spiritual union of a saint with the divine rather than an occasion of mourning.
Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti settled in Ajmer during the 12th century and became widely respected for his teachings of compassion, service, equality and kindness. His title, Garib Nawaz, is commonly understood as “benefactor of the poor.”
The festival takes place during the Islamic month of Rajab. Since the Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, the Gregorian dates change each year and may depend on the sighting of the moon.
The ceremonial raising of a flag at the Buland Darwaza traditionally marks the beginning of preparations for the Urs. The main observances include prayers, Quran recitations, chadar offerings and devotional gatherings.
Pilgrims offer flowers and ceremonial chadars at the shrine. Qawwali performances are another significant part of the occasion. Sufi musicians sing devotional poetry expressing love, faith and spiritual surrender.
The Jannati Darwaza is traditionally opened for a limited period during the Urs, subject to the schedule issued by the dargah administration. The observances include Chhati Sharif on the sixth day and conclude with important prayers and ceremonies.
Food is prepared in large cauldrons called degs and distributed among devotees. This practice reflects the values of charity, equality and community service associated with the teachings of Khwaja Garib Nawaz.
Ajmer becomes extremely crowded during the Urs, so accommodation and transport should be booked early. Visitors should wear modest clothing and cover their heads before entering the shrine.
Shoes must be removed at the designated area. Photography may be restricted in parts of the complex, particularly near the sanctum. Visitors should follow instructions issued by security personnel and avoid carrying large bags.
Ajmer Junction is well connected by train with Jaipur, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Mumbai and other major cities. The dargah is approximately two kilometres from the railway station and can be reached by auto-rickshaw or local transport.
Kishangarh Airport is the nearest airport, approximately 30 kilometres from Ajmer. Jaipur International Airport is another option for travellers arriving from distant cities.
