The renowned Ajmer Sharif Dargah is gearing up for a significant event on September 17 to celebrate Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s 74th birthday. In honor of the occasion, the Dargah will prepare and distribute 4000 kg of vegetarian ‘langar,’ continuing a cherished tradition that spans over 550 years.
Celebration and Tradition
According to an official statement from the Dargah authorities, the “Big Shahi Deg,” a historic cooking vessel at the Ajmer Dargah Sharif, will be used to prepare the substantial amount of food. This event is part of a broader initiative called “Sewa Pakhwada,” aimed at serving the community.
Details of the Event
Syed Afghan Chishty, Gaddi Nashin-Dargah, informed ANI that the vegetarian langar will include rice, pure ghee, and dry fruits. “On the occasion of his (PM Modi’s) birthday, seva programmes will be organized at religious places across the country. We will prepare 4,000 kg of vegetarian food and distribute it to Gurus, poor people, and others around us,” he said.
Chishty also mentioned that special prayers would be offered for PM Modi’s long life and the success of “Sewa Pakhwada.” The langar is being organized by the Indian Minority Foundation and Chishty Foundation of Ajmer Sharif.
Ceremony and Prayers
The ceremony will start with the lighting of the “Big Shahi Deg” inside the Dargah of Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishty. The event will feature special prayers for peace, prosperity, and unity, as well as for PM Modi’s well-being. The “deg” is one of the world’s largest cooking vessels and has been used for centuries to prepare langar for devotees.
Throughout the night, devotees and volunteers will gather to pray, recite Quranic verses, and sing devotional songs like Naats and Manqabat, including Qawwalis in praise of the saints. The distribution of food will continue into the morning to ensure that all attendees and local residents receive their share.