Urs of Hazarat Nizamuddin Aulia

Urs Of Hazarat Nizamuddin Aulia is a time of gaiety and celebrations in the city. Come November/December every year, the memory of the Sufi seer saint Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia is revived and pious pilgrims from all parts of the country flock to the shrine of Hazrat Nizamddin Aulia. The shrine is located at a short distance from Humayun's Tomb at the Nizamuddin and was built by Farid Khan, a trader in the year 1562. Most Muslim's of the city and even the country make a beeline for the shrine during the Urs festival. The festival commemorates the death anniversary of the saint and in a rare display of religious tolerance and brotherhood, pilgrims from other religions such as Hinduism, Sikhism and Christianity participate in the festival with equal fervor.

The Urs of Hazarat Nizamuddin Aulia is celebrated with a display of éclat and brilliance. The entire shrine is decked in flowers and the smell of incense rents the air. Varieties of kebabs are distributed and sweets are offered at the shrine. Roses are offered at the tomb of Amir Khusrau as well. A number of Quawalis perform heart rendering songs and the spectators often join in. It is incumbent upon the men and women visiting this shrine to cover the head with a cloth or a veil as a mark of respect to the seer. The devout worshipers tie a piece of string to the lattice walls of the shrine, during the Urs to remind the seer of their prayers. The tomb is covered with a sacred green Chaddar (cloth) and during the Urs at the Hazarat Nizamuddin Aulia, most visitors bring silk Chaddars. Some also bring flower wraps as offerings. The Urs is a festival that should certainly not be missed if you are in Delhi during the month of December. The fervor and devotion will certainly rub off and your prayers will be answered.