Why are sheets offered at Dargahs, when did this practice start?

There are always questions in the minds of people regarding why chadar is offered at the Dargahs located across the country. From Ajmer Sharif to Nizamuddin Dargah, every day thousands of devotees are seen offering chadars at the shrines and praying for peace, peace and blessings. This centuries-old tradition associated with Sufi saints is not limited to just religious faith, but is also considered an identity of India’s common culture and brotherhood.

 

There is special enthusiasm among people regarding the ritual of Chadar Poshi on Urs and special occasions, where devotees, irrespective of religion and caste, bow their heads together. In such a situation, the question arises that why chadar is offered at Dargahs, when did it start and what are the beliefs behind it.

 

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Why are sheets offered at Dargahs?

Dargah is the shrine of a great Sufi saint or Wali Allah. Offering a sheet is a way of expressing reverence, respect and faith towards that saint. It is believed that Sufi saints spent their entire lives in humanity, love, devotion to God and service. By placing a sheet on his tomb, people expect blessings, blessings and mercy from him. There is a feeling that saints are close to Allah and their prayers reach Allah quickly.

When did this tradition start

The tradition of offering chadars at dargahs became popular with the spread of Sufi orders in medieval India. This tradition became stronger from around the 12th–13th century, when the shrines of Sufi saints like Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, Nizamuddin Auliya, Qutubuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki started becoming famous. During the Mughal period, this tradition received royal patronage, due to which the ritual of offering chadar became more widespread.

 

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What is the reason behind this

The main reason behind offering chadar is respect and humility. Just as respect is given to an honored person by covering him, similarly covering the tomb with a sheet is considered a symbol of respect. Besides, it is also believed that by offering a sheet, a person’s wish is accepted and his pain and sorrows go away. Many people offer a sheet as a thank you when their wishes are fulfilled.

What is the belief behind this

It is believed that Sufi saints remain alive spiritually even after death and listen to the calls of their devotees. Offering a chadar symbolizes the belief that the saint can intercede in the court of Allah. Green or red colored sheets are considered especially auspicious. Green symbolizes purity and paradise in Islam, while red symbolizes love and sacrifice.

Dua and fatiha with sheet

While offering the chadar, people read Fatiha and pray to Allah. It is believed that the prayers sought on this occasion are soon accepted. At some dargahs, on special occasions, such as during Urs, chadar is offered en masse, which is called ‘Chadarposhi’.

overall importance

Offering Chadar at the Dargah is prevalent in both Hindu and Muslim communities, which is a symbol of Ganga-Jamuni culture and Sanjhi culture. This tradition shows that in Sufi tradition, more importance has been given to humanity, love and mutual harmony than religion.

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