Ajmer

Festive Celebrations

Definitely the most important festival is Urs celebrated at the Ajmer Dargah as the death anniversary of the patron saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti. This is one of the largest attended congregations and has pilgrims from across the world paying homage to the saint. The festival starts with the hoisting of a white flag on the dargah. Thereafter, offerings of rose, jasmine, sandalwood paste and incense are made to the tomb, along with chadar, ghilaph and neema, and finally the tomb is covered with a silk cloth. Qawalis, poetry recitations and prayer sessions are held to the accompaniment of loud music. An interesting ceremony during Urs is the looting of kheer, which is cooked in two large cauldrons (degs) and distributed to the devotees as tabarruk (holy food). On the last day of this festival, the Jannati Darwaza (gateway to heaven) is thrown open, and devotees cross it seven times as it is supposed to ensure a place in heaven. Located close to Ajmer, you can also take out time for the Pushkar Camel Fair. Heavily ornamented camels are brought from across the country and put up on display. They also take part in a range of interesting activities like camel racing and camel auctioning. Other popular events like folk dances, plays and magic shows are also held. This is also the best possible place to get your hands on some traditional Rajasthani goods.