Thousands offer prayers at Ajmer Sharif Dargah on Eid al-Adha
Ajmer, May 28
The Jannati Darwaza at the revered Khwaja Gharib Nawaz Dargah in Rajasthan's Ajmer was opened at 4 am on Thursday on the occasion of Eid al-Adha, drawing devotees from across India who gathered to offer prayers and seek blessings at the shrine.
Large crowds thronged the Ajmer Sharif Dargah from the early hours of the morning as devotees marked the festival with prayers, devotion and messages of peace and brotherhood.
Speaking to ANI, Ajmer Sharif Dargah Khadem Daulat Chishti said devotees from different parts of the country and overseas visit the shrine with deep faith on the occasion.
"Devotees from far and wide, from across India and abroad, gather here with deep reverence. They pass through the doors to offer their prayers and pay their respects," Chishti said.
Another Khadem of the shrine, Jishan Chishti, said people from border areas, including Barmer, Jaisalmer and Kashmir, arrived at the Dargah to participate in the celebrations.
"On this day of Eid, specifically, people from the border regions of Barmer, Jaisalmer, and Kashmir arrive at the shrine of Garib Nawaz, bringing with them their deep devotion. Just as the Hajj rituals concluded yesterday, today a gathering of devotees, united by love and brotherhood, has assembled here," he said.
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay also extended greetings on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha and described the festival as a reminder of humanity and noble values.
In a message shared on X, Vijay said, "On the occasion of Bakrid, the festival of sacrifice, I extend my heartfelt and loving greetings to all my Islamic brothers and sisters."
He said Bakrid symbolises "faith in God, sacrifice, compassion, sharing, and humanitarianism" and urged people to share joy with the poor and underprivileged while promoting communal harmony and equality in society.
Eid Al-Adha, also known as the festival of sacrifice, commemorates Prophet Abraham's willingness to sacrifice in obedience to God and is observed on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As a non-Muslim Hindu, I've visited Ajmer Sharif many times. The atmosphere during Eid is truly special - it reminds us that faith transcends boundaries. The Khadems do a great job managing the crowds. Bakrid Mubarak to all 🙏
This is wonderful! I'm originally from the UK but currently living in India for work. The devotion here is incredible - thousands gathering before dawn to pray. It puts things in perspective. Happy Eid to all celebrating!
Glad to see CM Vijay's message about sharing joy with the poor and promoting communal harmony. That's the true spirit of Bakrid - it's not just about sacrifice but about caring for those less fortunate. We need more leaders spreading such messages ✨
Respectful criticism - while the devotion is admirable, the authorities should ensure better crowd management and sanitation during such large gatherings. Last year's reports of water shortages were concerning. Hope they've improved arrangements this time. Still, a beautiful testament to India's pluralism.
My grandmother was from Ajmer and she used to tell me stories of the Dargah during Eid. The Jannati Darwaza opening at 4 AM - that's the time when prayers are most powerful, they say. Wish I could be there this year. Eid Mubarak to all bhai-behen log! 🕌🌙
K We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.