Pakistani pilgrims attend Khawaja Moinuddin Chishti’s Urs in India

Charge d’Affaires symbolically places a traditional chaddar on behalf of people and government of Pakistan

In a display of religious harmony and cultural exchange, the Charge d’Affaires of the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, Aizaz Khan, led a delegation of 230 Pakistani Zaireen (pilgrims) to participate in the 812th annual Urs of Hazrat Khawaja Syed Moinuddin Hasan Chishti (RA) at Ajmer Sharif, India.

The Urs, a significant Sufi festival, honours one of the most revered Sufi saints of the subcontinent, also known as Khwaja Gharib Nawaz.

A press release from the Pakistan High Commission highlighted Aizaz Khan's participation, emphasising the importance of fostering cultural and religious ties between the two neighbouring nations.

Mr. Aizaz Khan, Chargé d’ Affaires, Pakistan High Commission, New Delhi also paid obeisance at the dargah of one of the most revered Sufi saints of the subcontinent, who is also known as Khwaja Gharib Nawaz. pic.twitter.com/6F4EwQiXeD

— Pakistan High Commission India (@PakinIndia) January 17, 2024

During the visit to the Dargah, Aizaz Khan paid his respects at the shrine of Hazrat Khawaja Syed Moinuddin Hasan Chishti, offering prayers for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan. He symbolically placed a traditional chaddar on behalf of the people and the Government of Pakistan, marking a gesture of goodwill and reverence.

Also read: Pak charge d’affaires lays chaddar at Nizamudin’s dargah

Upon their arrival at the Dargah, the Pakistani delegation was warmly received by Syed Bilal Chishti and other prominent members of the Anjuman Moinia Fakhria Chishtia Khuddam Khwaja Sahib. The ceremony included the "dastarbandi" – a traditional turban tying ceremony – of the Chargé d’Affaires and representatives of the Zaireen by the notable figures at the Dargah.

Expressing gratitude, Aizaz Khan thanked the Sajjada Nashin (custodian) of the shrine and the local administration for facilitating the visit of Pakistani Zaireen on this auspicious occasion. He acknowledged the significance of the religious and cultural exchange between the two countries, promoting mutual understanding and goodwill.

After placing the traditional chaddar on behalf of the people and Government of Pakistan, Chargé d’ Affaires and the visiting Zaireen offered special prayers for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/86YchJJcEj

— Pakistan High Commission India (@PakinIndia) January 17, 2024

The Pakistani pilgrims are participating in the Urs at Ajmer Sharif from January 14 to January 21. Their visit is carried out under the framework of the 1974 India-Pakistan protocol on visits to religious shrines, fostering people-to-people connections and reinforcing the importance of shared heritage and traditions.