The Urs is initiated with the hoisting of a white flag on the dargah by the Sajjada Nashin (successor representative) of Chishtis. It is done on the 25th of Jamadi-ul-Akhir (sixth lunar month), with the accompaniment of music. On the last day of the sixth month, the Jannati-Darwaza (gateway of heaven) is flung open early in the morning.
People cross this gate seven times with the belief that they will be assured a place in heaven. On the 1st of Rajab, the tomb is washed with rose water and sandalwood paste and anointed with perfumes. This ritual is called ghusal. The Sajjada Nashin then covers the tomb with an embroidered silk cloth.An interesting ritual is the kheer is cooked in two large cauldrons called degs and distributed to the devotees as tabarruk (blessed food).
On the 6th of Rajab, after the usual mehfil and the sound of cracker-bursts accompanied by music, the Sajjada Nashin performs the ghusal of the tomb. Fatiha and Salamti are read. A poetic recitation called mushaira is arranged in which poets of all communities arrive to recite compositions dedicated to the Khwaja. The Qul (end-all) on the 6th of Rajab marks the end of the Urs.
At night, attend the special poetry recitation sessions (quwwallis), where professional singers sing their poems. Mehfils are organized in the mehfil-khana within the Dargah premises. See a brilliant display of fireworks. Qawwalis are sung and the hall is packed to capacity. There are separate places reserved for women who attend the mehfil. The mehfil terminates late in the night with a mass prayer for the eternal peace of the Khwaja in particular and mankind in general.
During Urs Ajmer, devotees bring chadars, gilaph, neema, rose and jasmine flowers, incense and sandalwood paste as offerings or ‘nazrana’.
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At night, attend the special poetry recitation sessions (quwwallis), where professional singers sing their poems. Mehfils are organized in the mehfil-khana within the Dargah premises. See a brilliant display of fireworks. Qawwalis are sung and the hall is packed to capacity. There are separate places reserved for women who attend the mehfil. The mehfil terminates late in the night with a mass prayer for the eternal peace of the Khwaja in particular and mankind in general.
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