Unique tradition of Muharram in Ajmer Sharif, children are kept ‘mortgaged’ after their vows are fulfilled.

The sacred rituals of Muharram are continuing with full devotion and respect in the world famous Dargah of Sufi saint Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chishti. On the 8th of Muharram, during the religious programs organized in the memory of Imam Hussain at Dargah Sharif, a grand procession of ‘Nakshe Mubarak’ was taken out, in which thousands of pilgrims and pilgrims from India and abroad participated. The Dargah complex appeared drenched in spiritual atmosphere, mourning rituals and colors of Aqidat.

On the occasion of Muharram, a procession of ‘Nakshe Mubarak’ of Roza (shrine) of Imam Ali Maqam was taken out from the main gate of Dargah Sharif. This ride passed through the Dargah complex with full respect and honor and reached Chhatri Gate. Throughout the way, devotees kept offering salutations and tributes to the memory of Imam Hussain.

According to the Khadim of the Dargah, Syed Zahoor Baba Chishti, after reaching the Chhatri Gate, the devotees paid homage to the martyrs of Karbala by singing the Marsiya. During this time the atmosphere was filled with emotional and spiritual feelings. Pilgrims present in large numbers presented their faith in the shrine of Imam Ali Maqam.

During Muharram, when the vows are fulfilled at the Dargah, the devotees offer fruits, dry fruits, flowers and attractive clothes as per their devotion. Good deeds and prayers done in the memory of Imam Hussain provide spiritual peace to a person. This is the reason that every year during the days of Muharram, pilgrims from different parts of the country and also from abroad reach Ajmer Sharif.

A unique and centuries old tradition performed in Dargah Sharif attracts special attention of the people. Syed Zahoor Baba Chishti said that many families symbolically ‘mortgage’ their children, brothers or sisters to the Imam in the hope that their biggest wishes will be fulfilled.

This tradition is completely based on religious faith and symbolic belief. When the vow is fulfilled, then on the occasion of Muharram next year, the family reaches the Dargah and offers the prescribed Nazrana and Hilal. The person is then ‘released’ from the vow with religious rituals. This tradition has remained a part of the spiritual traditions of Dargah Sharif for years.

On the occasion of Muharram, the rituals of weighing children and distributing Niyaz are also being performed with devotion in the Dargah premises. Aqidtmands arrange Niyaz according to their capacity and devotion, which is distributed among a large number of people. The purpose of these rituals is considered to be to promote the spirit of love, brotherhood and service in the society.

Recalling the incident of Karbala, Syed Zahoor Baba Chishti said that Hazrat Imam Hussain supported truth and justice in every situation. He said that Karbala is not just a historical event, but a message for the entire humanity of patience, sacrifice and sticking to the truth.

According to him, Karbala teaches us that no matter how difficult the circumstances in life are, a person should not retreat from the path of right and justice. This same message continues to inspire millions of people even today and makes Muharram rituals not just a religious event but an occasion to remind of moral values.

On the 9th of Muharram, this sacred procession of ‘Nakshe Mubarak’ will proceed from Chhatri Gate to Imambara, where the next religious rituals will be performed.