NEW DELHI: Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju visited the revered Ajmer Sharif Dargah on Saturday to present a ceremonial ‘chadar’ on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The gesture, part of the annual Urs celebrations of 13th century Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, was described by Rijiju as a symbol of “unity and brotherhood”.
The minister shared the moments on social media platform
Speaking before the offering, Rijiju emphasized the importance of the visit. He said, “This chadar represents Prime Minister Modi’s message of peace, harmony and unity. The dargah is a place where people of all religions gather, reinforcing the idea of a united India.”
“We are fortunate to come here. We have brought the chadar in the name of Prime Minister Modi. I also read Prime Minister Modi’s message that we all, with an intent of brotherhood, will work for our society, our country and world peace. Here I searched blessings,” added the minister.
harmony tradition
Since assuming office, Prime Minister Modi has maintained the tradition of sending a ‘chadar’ to the Ajmer Sharif Dargah annually. This is the eleventh time that the Prime Minister has participated in this celebration, underlining its importance as a bridge of cultural and religious solidarity.
In a message delivered at the shrine, Rijiju articulated the government’s commitment to fostering a peaceful and inclusive society, saying: “On this auspicious occasion of Urs, we look forward to a harmonious atmosphere in the country. Everyone, irrespective of religion, is welcome to the dargah. This symbolizes the diversity and unity of our nation.”
The event attracted tens of thousands of pilgrims from across the country and beyond, all commemorating the saint’s teachings of love, compassion and equality.
Rijiju also highlighted the ongoing efforts to simplify and improve the pilgrimage experience for the lakhs who visit the shrine annually during Urs. He stated: “The government is committed to ensuring that visitors do not face difficulties during their spiritual journey. Steps are being taken to make the process smoother and more accessible.”
The minister’s visit to Ajmer Sharif Dargah followed his prayers at the Nizamuddin Aulia Dargah in Delhi.
BJP minority morcha President Jamal Siddiqui, who accompanied Rijiju, reiterated Prime Minister Modi’s vision. He said, “This offering is a message of peace, tolerance and unity in a diverse India.”
The visit occurred in a context of legal and ideological challenges. When asked about a petition claiming that the dargah was built on a Shiva temple, Rijiju distanced himself from the controversy and reiterated his purpose at the shrine: “I am here to offer chadar and carry forward the First’s message of harmony. Minister. “My visit is not to engage in disputes but to defend the spirit of unity.”
Last year, during the 812th Urs, the ‘chadar’ was presented at the shrine by the then Union minister Smriti Irani and Jamal Siddiqui, along with a delegation representing the Muslim community, on behalf of the Prime Minister.