Urs Fair is celebrated every year in the holy city of Ajmer, Rajasthan. It is organised commemorating the death anniversary of the great Sufi saint, Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti at his Dargah. The word 'Urs' has been derived from an Arabic word 'Uroos' meaning ultimate meeting of a person with the God. Devotees of the saint flock Ajmer from far off places for the celebration of Urs Fair, which is celebrated in the first week of the seventh month of Islamic calendar, Rajab. It is the largest Muslim fair in India, but the devotees of every religion come here to seek blessings of the saint. Around five lakh pilgrims congregate Ajmer Sharif shrine during Urs Fair.
The Legend:
Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, the founder of Chishtia order of fakirs in India, came from Persia. The saint spent his whole life in the service of mankind and is thus known as Garib Nawaj, meaning protector of the poor.
It is said that the saint embraced death by moving to a cell for six days in solitude. The immortal remains of the holy saint have been entombed at this Dargah.The Celebrations:
The six days long auspicious fair is celebrated with full enthusiasm by the devotees of saint, which comes to an end on sixth Rajab, 'Chati Sharif'. The whole city is beautifully decorated to celebrate this fair. During these six pious days, pilgrims gather and offer prayers on the Dargah for prosperity and peace in their lives. Devotees offer Jasmine and Rose flowers, sandalwood, perfume and other offerings called 'Nazrana' on the Dargah. There is also a ritual of offering 'Chadar', 'gilaph' and 'neema', brought on their heads by the devotees, at the shrine.
Renown Qawwals from various places gather here to sing Qawwalis at the holy Dargah in praise of God. It is believed that God fulfills wishes of all those who pray at the shrine with pure hearts. During nights 'Mehfil Khana' gets packed by the visitors to enjoy religious assemblies (Mehfils), where mass prayers are also conducted for the eternal peace of the Saint and the mankind. Separate places are dedicated for the women attending the Mehfils, presided over by the Sajjada Nashin of the Dargah. 'Jannati Darwaja' or the gateway to heaven is opened in the morning on the concluding day of the fair and it is believed that crossing the gate seven times assures a place for human being in the heaven.
Devotees purchase religious items, rosaries, embroidered carpets, books and silver ornaments from the fair.
How to get there:
By Air: Nearest airport to Ajmer is Jaipur, which is at a distance of 135 km. From Jaipur, one can move to Ajmer by buses plying from time to time or by taxi.
By Road: Ajmer is well connected by good roads and different state roadways bus services from various cities. Rajasthan Roadways Transport Corporation ply air conditioned and deluxe services to Ajmer from Bikaner House, New Delhi. It takes nine hours to reach Ajmer from Delhi by road.
By Rail: Ajmer can be reached by trains running from major cities. From Delhi, Ajmer is also connected by Shatabdi Express.
Urs Fair of Ajmer, Rajasthan (India)