Ajmer (According to Lunar Calendar)

Uras Ajmer Sharif Held in the memory of the revered Sufi Saint Khawaja Moinudding Chisti, Uras Sharif occasion for thousands of believers to congregate at the shrine and offer their prayers. While quwwallis are sung at night the celebrations unite people of all faiths and the complete town is decorated with buntings and vears the sprit of festivity.

Ajmer is venerated as a holy place for both Hindus and Muslims. It has the mausoleum of the Sufi saint, Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, whose blessings are eagerly sought by pilgrims to his dargah There celebrated uras. Known as the ‘Dargah Sharif’, the last resting place of the saint who died in 1235 lies at the foot of a barren hill. The saint’s marble domed mausoleum is India’s most important shrine for Muslims and receives an endless flow of visitors of all religions as the sick, the troubled and the childless come here seeking a boon, a blessing or just peace of mind. Legend has it that the Mughal emperor, Akbar came here to the saint in the 16th century in quest of a boon for an heir and the saint obliged.
The Uras Ajmer Sharif or annual pilgrimage of the devout is celebrated each May at the Dargah Sharif with millions of pilgrims arriving in Ajmer to pay homage. Lengthy queues of several kilometres snake their way past the tomb at the shrine while outside the Dargah precincts, two massive cauldrons cook sweet rice garnished with dry fruits and condiments to be served as ‘tabarukh’ or sanctified food. Within the dargah lies a mosque, built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Like all of Shah Jahan’s buildings, the mosque too, is an architectural marvel - a magnificent building in white marble with a long and narrow courtyard for the faithful to pray in, richly embellished with ornate calligraphic inscriptions, delicate carvings and detailed trelliswork.
Getting there and around
Although Ajmer does not have an airport of its own, there is an airport at Jaipur (130 km away), from where regular buses and taxis come to Ajmer.

Ajmer is very well linked by train; there are frequent (in many cases daily) trains to and from the city to other destinations in India, including Delhi, Mumbai and Jaipur. Delhi is connected to Ajmer by the fast Shatabdi Express, easily the quickest and most comfortable way of getting to Ajmer.

A good national and state highway network links Ajmer to other parts of Rajasthan and many important cities in India. Hired transport is easily available, be it cars, jeeps, minibuses or MUVs and almost all come with experienced drivers. State and interstate roadways buses, RTDC conducted tours and coaches connect Ajmer to most important cities in the region, including Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Mt. Abu, Jaisalmer, Mumbai and Delhi.

Within the city, rented cars, local buses, auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are the means of transport available.

When to go

The best time to visit the Dargah is during the annual Urs of Moinuddin Chishti in May. Even if you’re unable to make it to Ajmer for the Urs, time your visit for the winter instead- summer all across Rajasthan means hot, dry weather which can take some getting used to. Winters are much more pleasant and comfortable.


Accommodation and other facilities
There is a wide variety of hotel accommodation for travellers to Ajmer to choose from - deluxe, standard and economy, depending on the budget and choice of hotel. A heritage hotel will cost more than a deluxe while RTDC provides decent, clean accommodation at reasonable prices albeit with few frills.

The Tourist Office will be able to assist those travelers looking for paying guest accommodation with local families. Hotels are booked to capacity during the Urs in May, so make sure you have reservations done well ahead of time.