Historic Chhota Sheikh Salahuddin Dargah Festival Begins Tomorrow in Pune

Pune, April 29, 2025 – The historic Chhota Sheikh Salahuddin Dargah, located in the heart of Kasba Peth, Pune, will witness the commencement of its 687th annual Urs festival from April 30, continuing for six spiritually charged days. The event is organized by the Hazrat Khwaja Makhdoom Sheikh Salahuddin Chishti Nizami Algari Siddiqui (RA) Trust, and draws devotees from all faiths and corners of Maharashtra.

A Shrine of Unity, Devotion, and Shared Heritage

Dating back nearly seven centuries, the Chhota Sheikh Salahuddin Dargah has long served as a beacon of communal harmony and cultural unity. This revered site sees participation not just from the Muslim community but also from a large number of Hindu devotees, who form over 60% of the pilgrims. These devotees perform the ritual of “jarb tochnay”, where sharp metal rods are symbolically pierced into the body, an act of devotion and faith in the saint’s blessings.

Continuing a centuries-old custom, the offering of nachni (ragi) bhakri as naivedya (sacred offering) will once again be carried out by the Devarkar family, a Hindu household from Pune. This unique tradition is a living example of interfaith respect, where spiritual customs transcend religious boundaries.

Supported by Historical Royalty

The dargah’s legacy is further underscored by historical records that mention generous donations from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and later the Peshwa rulers. These contributions were made for the maintenance of oil lamps and other religious rituals, indicating the importance of the dargah across different regimes and religious lines. These historical facts are supported by preserved documents and inscriptions.

A Week of Devotion and Cultural Programs

The 6-day Urs festival includes a rich blend of spiritual ceremonies, ritualistic observances, and musical performances, creating a profound experience for attendees. The key events include:

• Parcham Kushai – Ceremonial Flag Hoisting
• Sandal Sharif – Procession carrying holy sandalwood paste
• Mehfil-e-Sama – Sufi musical gatherings
• Ratib-ul-Rifai – A devotional ritual of remembrance and submission
• Zarb Ceremony – Ritual piercing by devotees as a mark of faith
• Chhatti Sharif – Sixth-day sacred prayers and blessings
• Kheer Program – Traditional sweet dish distributed to devotees
• Grand Qawwali Night – Sufi devotional music by renowned artists

These events are organized with the collaborative efforts of the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Friends Circle and the Kasba Peth Muslim Jamaat, who work tirelessly every year to make the festival inclusive and peaceful.

A Call for Unity and Celebration

The festival committee, including Tajuddin Shaikh, Shakir Shaikh, and Munaf Shaikh, has invited citizens from all communities to take part in the celebrations. They emphasized that the dargah is not just a religious site, but a symbol of Maharashtra’s syncretic culture, where faith, music, food, and devotion come together in harmony.

This year’s celebration is expected to attract thousands of devotees, tourists, and culture lovers, continuing the legacy of peace, spiritual devotion, and communal solidarity.