On the occasion of the annual 'Urs' of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media to send his heartfelt greetings to the people of India and the world. The 'Urs' marks the death anniversary of the revered Sufi saint, Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, whose teachings of love, peace, and unity continue to inspire millions across the globe.
In a special gesture of respect, Prime Minister Modi also sent a 'Chadar' (a cloth offering) to the Ajmer Sharif Dargah, the shrine of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti in Ajmer, Rajasthan. This tradition of sending a 'Chadar' is a symbolic offering of devotion and reverence, and is often done by political leaders and individuals as a mark of respect to the saint. The PM's gesture signifies his commitment to preserving India’s rich tradition of interfaith harmony and promoting spiritual unity.
The ‘Urs’ of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti is an important occasion for millions of his followers, particularly in Ajmer, where large numbers of devotees gather each year to pay homage. During the event, prayers are offered, and rituals are performed in honor of the saint's teachings, which focus on selflessness, compassion, and service to humanity. Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, often referred to as ‘Gharib Nawaz,’ or the "Benefactor of the Poor," is considered one of the most revered Sufi saints in India.
The PM’s greetings and the offering of the 'Chadar' reflect the ongoing efforts of the government to strengthen India’s tradition of religious diversity and inclusivity. In a statement, Modi highlighted the significance of the ‘Urs’ in fostering a sense of unity and brotherhood, and encouraged people to follow the teachings of the saint to work towards social harmony and collective well-being.
This year’s ‘Urs’ celebrations come at a time when India continues to prioritize peace and unity, despite the challenges of social polarization in various parts of the country. The Prime Minister’s message serves as a reminder of the shared values that bind the diverse communities of India together.
As the ‘Urs’ festivities continue, devotees from across the country are expected to visit the Ajmer Sharif Dargah to seek blessings, while online tributes and prayers are also being offered by people from various regions, emphasizing the universal appeal of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti’s teachings.
