NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a ceremonial chadar to the Ajmer Sharif Dargah, marking his 11th consecutive participation in this revered tradition.
He made this gesture amid the ongoing controversy surrounding the Shiva temple near the dargah, highlighting his commitment to preserving cultural harmony.
Handed over a Chadar that would be offered at the Ajmer Sharif Dargah on the 809th Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti. pic.twitter.com/DHa1f5p0kk
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 15, 2021
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Continuing the Annual Tradition
Since Prime Minister Modi took office, he has consistently offered a chadar during the Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti.
This year, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and BJP Minority Morcha President Jamal Siddiqui will offer the chadar at the shrine. Last year, Smriti Irani fulfilled this duty on Modi’s behalf.
Met a Muslim community delegation. During our interaction, I presented the sacred Chadar, which will be placed during the Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti at the esteemed Ajmer Sharif Dargah. pic.twitter.com/eqWIKy7VQ1
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 11, 2024
The Urs festival, which commemorates the death anniversary of Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, attracts millions of devotees to the Ajmer Sharif Dargah, making it a focal point for spiritual unity in India.
Devotees consider offering a chadar a spiritual act, believing it brings blessings and fulfills prayers.
Temple controversy surrounding Ajmer Sharif
A petition filed in a Rajasthan court has recently alleged that Ajmer Sharif is built over a Shiva temple.
This has ignited a debate about the origins of the dargah, with hearings scheduled to continue.
The shrine’s committee has urged the court to dismiss the claims, stressing the need for peace and coexistence.