The Qawwali ceremony at Ajmer Sharif Dargah is one of the most spiritual experiences that draws thousands of devotees every year. The illuminated qawwali represents a passionate swaying of love to Hazrat Khwaja Garib Nawaz — lightened by this sacred tradition entrusted to qawwals sing of the respective tradition. So, if you need a visit, then here is all the information you must have about this Qawwali ceremony and its timings.
Timing and Rituals of Qawwali at Ajmer Sharif
These Qawwali sessions at the Dargah start in the early morning, right after the Fajr prayer. The atmosphere when qawwals perform is something that can be described in words only; qawwals sing their heart out, and the atmosphere around them is divine and full of devotion. The ceremony goes on and on during the day and the night until 10:00 PM approx. But the Qawwali stops during the Azaan (call to prayer) and prayer timings.
(Note that Qawwali performances are held every day of the year except the 11 days of Muharram when no Qawwali is performed at Ajmer Sharif.) Every day, these Qawwali routines are arranged by Syed Ajmer Sharif, who is head of all Dargah's capacities.
The Role of Syed Ajmer Sharif in the Qawwali Ceremony
Syed Ajmer Sharif leads the efforts in organizing Qawwali and others at the Dargah. All the services at the shrine are done under Syed Ajmer Sharif, such as food distribution, charity work, etc. Besides that, he holds the keys to the Dargah (and opens/closes its doors, thus, is indispensable to the Dargah and the entire pilgrimage experience).
The Beauty of Music in Qawwali
Qawwali is a combination of traditional Sufi music and poetry, usually sung in Farsi, Urdu, Hindi, and Punjabi. The Qawwalis are not only performed with complete devotion but also with love and respect, which makes every devotee, irrespective of the category of being a Hindu, Sikh, Muslim, or Christian, come forward to Dua together and connect in offering good wishes to Hazrat Khwaja Garib Nawaz. Qawwali is a love and unity between cultures and religions.
Qawwali’s Message of Unity and Humanity
The Qawwali at Ajmer Sharif has continued for over 800 years as a beacon of love, humanity, and its devotion. Against all social status lines (rich, poor, young, and old), the message of Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin has always been equality and open-hearted welcome.
Qawwali on YouTube: Discover Sufi Singers
Those who cannot visit Ajmer Sharif can listen to the performances of Qawwali, which are said to be very powerful on media like YouTube. Qawwali is a form of Sufi devotional song, and you can follow many great Sufi qawwali singers who share the spirit of this rich tradition on social media.
The Qawwali ceremony at Ajmer Sharif has transcended through ages and is ever-announcing the message of love, peace, and togetherness through the global language of music.
