Ajmer (Rajasthan) [India], January 5: As part of the annual Urs celebrations at the revered Khwaja Gharib Nawaz Dargah Sharif in Ajmer, the iconic ‘Dum ki Chai’ is being served to devotees and visitors, continuing a cherished tradition.
Mohammed Naeem Armani, one of the tea makers, shared the significance of the beverage, saying it is believed to have healing properties. “The tea is made with saffron, cardamom, and kewra, and is known as ‘Dum Ki Chai.’ It is prepared for 4 to 4.5 hours in a special copper vessel, and the milk is boiled in a silver utensil. Consuming this tea is said to heal all ailments,” Armani told ANI.
On Saturday, Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju visited the Dargah on the occasion of the 813th Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. Rijiju offered a sacred chadar on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressing that the gesture symbolizes faith, unity, and peace. “On the auspicious occasion of the 813th Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, I had the privilege of visiting the revered Dargah Ajmer Sharif. On behalf of PM Modi, I offered the sacred chadar, a timeless gesture of faith, unity, and peace that inspires millions,” Rijiju tweeted.
Prime Minister Modi had presented the chadar earlier this week, marking the 11th time he has offered the chadar to the Dargah. The tradition of offering the chadar during the Urs is a powerful symbol of devotion and respect, believed to bring blessings and fulfillment of vows.
The Ajmer Sharif Dargah, one of India’s most venerated Sufi shrines, sees millions of devotees gather each year to celebrate the Urs festival, which commemorates the death anniversary of Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. The 813th Urs, which commenced on December 28, 2024, is being observed with deep reverence by people from all over the world.