4 January, 2025; Ajmer, Rajasthan: Union Minister for Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, visited the revered Ajmer Sharif Dargah on January 2 to offer a ceremonial ‘chadar’ on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The gesture was in honor of the annual ‘Urs’ of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, the 13th-century Sufi saint whose teachings of peace and harmony continue to inspire millions across the world.
Before the offering, Prime Minister Modi handed over the ‘chadar’ to Rijiju in a formal ceremony, emphasizing the significance of communal harmony and inclusivity in Indian society. The Prime Minister expressed his respect for Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti and conveyed his wishes for peace, unity, and prosperity to all those commemorating the ‘Urs.’
During his visit to the dargah, Kiren Rijiju also interacted with the shrine’s caretakers and other attendees, emphasizing the central government’s commitment to upholding India’s diverse cultural and spiritual heritage.
Ajmer Sharif, one of the most prominent pilgrimage sites in the country, attracts devotees from various faiths, highlighting its universal appeal. The annual ‘Urs’ marks the death anniversary of the revered Sufi saint and is a significant event drawing thousands of pilgrims from across India and abroad.
The offering of the ‘chadar’ by the Prime Minister through Rijiju symbolizes the government’s recognition of the spiritual and cultural importance of Ajmer Sharif. It also reinforces the message of unity amidst diversity that Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti preached throughout his life.
The event is seen as an effort to foster goodwill and communal harmony, aligning with the values of peace and inclusivity that the Sufi saint championed centuries ago.
