The remains of the Sufi saint Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chishti lie buried in 'Dargah Sharif in Ajmer and are held in place in great reverence by devotees of all communities. Khwaja came from Persia and established the Chishti order of "fakirs in India.
The place has the distinction of holding the biggest Muslim fair in India, where more than 5 lakh devotees from dissimilar communities come to pay homage to the Khwaja on his Urs (death anniversary). The pilgrims make rich oblations called 'nazrana' at the sacred spot where the saint has been buried that comprise rose and jasmine flowers, sandalwood paste, perfumes and incense that put in to the scent that floats in the air inside the shrine.
Cash offerings are also made. Also offered by devotees are 'chaadar', 'ghilaph' and 'neema', which are gifts from the grave. Outside the holy place of the dredger, professional singers called 'qawwals' sit in groups and sing hymns to the virtues of the saint in a characteristic high-pitched voice. You can also see "fakirs" at the main gate asking for alms in the name of the Khwaja.
Markets are colorful and fragrant, near the dargah, which sells rosaries, textiles, flowers, prayer mats, and general merchandise. On the last day of the sixth month, the 'Jannati-Darwaza' (gateway of heaven) was opened early in the morning and is believed to cross this gate seven times reserves its safe passage to heaven.
There is an interesting ritual of 'kheer' plunder (milk pudding), which is cooked in two large cauldrons called 'degs and distributed to the devotees as "tabarruk' (blessed food), which is quite a sight to behold.
