The Urs Fair, Ajmer is dedicated to one of the most revered Sufi saint - Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chishti on the occasion of the death anniversary of this saint. This fair is held on the first 6 days of Rajab, that is, the seventh month of Muslim calendar. This fair is held at Ajmer, Rajasthan, and devotees of the saint who attend this Urs possess such great respect for the saint that they call the city of Ajmer as "Ajmer Sharif", which means the Holy city of Ajmer.

The Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chishti, came to India from Persia & founded an order of fakirs in India, known as Chistiana order. The saint is also known as "Gharib Nawaz", the protector of the poor people. During his entire life, the saint stayed committed towards offering his services to mankind in every possible manner. He lived an austere yet simple life and died in complete solitude & peace.

The Fair

This fair is the largest and highly celebrated fair of the Islamic religion in India and is  held at the holy saint's memorial situated on the lakeside of the city, Ajmer. The mortal  remains of the Khwaja, lie buried in this memorial, which is popularly known as "dargah Sharif" or "Chishti Ki Dargah". Numerous devotees not only from Rajasthan, but from many parts of the country visit the Dargah during the fair to pay their visit on the Urs (Death Anniversary) of the saint.

One of the commonly held belief about saints is that they grant wishes and people come to visit this fair to seek the blessings & for asking for the fulfilment of their wishes, which they call as "Mannats". As per an legend, it is believed that the great Akbar - a Mughal emperor came to this dargah to wish for an heir and the holy saint obliged the emperor.

This fair is initiated with the hoisting of a white flag by the successor representative, popularly known as "Sajjada Nashin of Chishtis". This fair begins on the 25th day of sixth month of Muslim calendar - Jamadi-ul-Akhir.  It starts with the accompaniment of religious music.  On the sixth day of this fair, the Jannati Darwaza, that is, the gateway of heaven, is opened early in the morning. There is a popular belief among devotees that if they cross this gate seven times, they can secure their place in heaven.

On the 1st day of the month Rajab, the tomb is washed with sandalwood paste and rose water. After washing it is anointed with perfume. This is named as the ritual "Ghusal". After this, the tomb is covered with a clean & embroidered silk cloth by Sajjada Nashin. Another ritual which takes place after this is "looting of Kheer". Two large cauldrons, known as degs are used for cooking the kheer and the cooked kheer is circulated among the visitors as the blessed food, called as "Tabarruk". The Urs comes to an end on the 6th day of Rajab.

Worship and Offering

To start the worship, the Sajjada Nashin reads Fatiha and Salamti.

The devotees who visit the Ajmer Sharif during the fair come here to pray and seek the blessings of Khwaja. Along with their prayers, they also make offerings which they call as  "Nazrana" at the place where the saint's remains are resting at present. The offerings include incense, perfumes, sandalwood paste, jasmine flowers and rose flowers etc.

There are two types of visitors, one who come to seek the blessings or pray to fulfil their wishes and the others whose wishes get fulfilled come to pray here. These devotees also offer neema, ghilaph and chaddar at the dargah.

Inside this dargah, there is a beautiful mosque build by Shah Jahan, another Mughal emperor which is an architectural marvel & a magnificent  building built with white marble.

Cultural Programme or Activities in Urs Fair Ajmer

During the fair, on the outer area of sanctum sanctorum of the Ajmer Sharif Dargah, one can find professional religious singers, singing qawwalis in the honours of the saint.
After the religious rituals and bursting of crackers, the musical mehfil takes place. A Mushaira, that is the, public reading of poems is organized during the fair. Poets hailing from different communities recite poetic compositions dedicated to the saint.  The Qul marks the end of the Urs.

How to Reach

By Road

Ajmer is well connected to many cities of Rajasthan, like Jaipur. Jaipur is a major hub and one can reach Ajmer either by road transport buses or by hiring a taxi.

By Rail

Jaipur is the nearest railway station which is well connected by rail to many major cities of the country.

By Air

Jaipur airport is the nearest airport to Ajmer.