Ajmer-e-Sharif
The Dargah Sharif, located at the foot of a barren hill, is the
place where the
Khawaja Moin-ud-din Chisti' mortal remains lie
buried. The Dargah (tomb) with a marble dome is situated in the
center of a courtyard and is surrounded by a silver platform. It's
believed that the shrine is a place of wish fulfillment for those
who pray with devout and pure hearts. People of all religious faiths
visit the Dargah and make offerings of rose and jasmine flowers to
seek the blessings of the Khawaja. More than a half a million
devotees from the subcontinent visit the Dargah to pay homage to
Khawaja on Urs, the death anniversary of Khawaja. It's said that the
revered saint left for heavenly abode after a six-day prayer in
seclusion and for this their devotees celebrate 'Urs' every year
during the first six days of Rajjab, the 7th month of the Islamic
calendar.
One of the main attractions at the Dargah is many qawwali programs
organized during the famous annual 'Urs' festival. Professional
singers called 'qawwals' sing songs in praise of the saint in a
characteristic high-pitched voice. The 'Sufiana kalam' sung by these
artists make a spellbound effect on listeners prompting them to clap
to the rhythm of musical instruments.
