Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi handed over a ceremonial ‘Chadar to be offered at Ajmer Sharif Dargah during the 813th Urs, the death anniversary of a Sufi saint of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, even as controversy rages around a court case about the ceremony.

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Modi handed over the chadar to Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Thursday (Jan 2), marking his 11th consecutive offering since assuming office in 2014.

During the Urs festival, offering the chadar placed at the shrine of Khwaja Gharib Nawaz (Mazar-e-Akhdas) is considered a symbol of devotion and regarded as a powerful form of worship, believed to bring blessings and fullfill vows.

A gesture showing spiritual respect 

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Rijiju shared in a social media post, “This gesture reflects the Prime Minister’s deep respect for India’s spiritual heritage and the values of harmony and compassion.”

An annual tradition since 1947 remains where an offering of chadar is given by the prime minister at the dargah during Urs.

This year, Rijuju will represent PM Modi, and BJP Minority Front president Jamal Siddiqui will present the offering at the shrine and travelling to Ajmer on Saturday (Jan 4), to take part in the ceremony.

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In 2024, Union Ministers Smriti Irani and Jamal Siddiqui presented the chadar on behalf of PM Modi during the 812th Urs. 

Recent dispute surrounding the ‘Dargah’

The PM's gesture this year followed controversy after a Rajasthan court accepted a petition from the Hindu Sena, which claims a temple of Lord Shiva exists within the highly respected dargah of Moinuddin Chishti.

The Ajmer Sharif Dargah Committee filed a five-page application in the Munsif Court in Ajmer on December 20, asking the court to reject a petition that claims there was a temple beneath the Ajmer Dargah.

The next hearing is set for January 24.

Also Read: After many temple visits, Rahul Gandhi visits Ajmer dargah

PM Modi’s devotion lauded 

Despite this, Syed Naseruddin Chishti, the successor of the Ajmer Dargah chief, lauded the prime minister for continuing the tradition.

Chishti said that PM Modi’s act of sending the chadar since 2014 shows India’s commitment to religious harmony and respect for all communities.

He said, “This tradition, dating back to 1947, has been upheld by every Prime Minister of the country," Chishti stated. “Since assuming office in 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently sent a chadar as a mark of devotion and respect. This reflects India’s deep-rooted culture of honouring all religions, communities, and Sufi saints," Chishti told the news agency IANS.

(With inputs from agencies)