Urs-e-Razavi

Gatherings and devotions

The three-day schedule includes congregational prayers, remembrance gatherings known as zikr, and devotional assemblies celebrating the Prophet, termed Mehfil-e-Milad. Participants take part in formal processions, ritual washing of the shrine known as the ghusl of the dargah, and communal supplications or dua. Scholars deliver speeches reviewing Islamic methodology and evaluating the contributions Ahmad Raza Khan made to the development of Sufism across the Indian subcontinent.

The Chadar Peshi offering

A central ritual during the event is the Chadar Peshi. In this ceremony, a ceremonial cloth known as a chadar is brought forward and placed over the tomb as an expression of respect and deep tribute. Offerings arrive from devotees and visiting groups across the globe. These tributes sometimes include ceremonial gifts sent by foreign leaders, demonstrating the broad international reach of the shrine and the reverence held for the scholar.

Discourse and international reach

Beyond devotional rituals, the event serves as a forum where religious figures discuss social and economic issues affecting Muslims. Topics have included legal matters such as court verdicts regarding marriage practices and efforts to address difficult living conditions. Because crowds at the main shrine became exceptionally large, shrine authorities distributed observances across several countries, including Pakistan, Bangladesh, Mauritius, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

How Urs-e-Razavi is kept

Over three days from 23 to 25 Safar, attendees take part in marches, ceremonial washing of the shrine, and recitation assemblies. Clerics lead prayers, deliver lectures on Sufi reforms and Islamic teachings, and examine community issues. Devotees perform the Chadar Peshi, presenting and laying decorated cloths over the tomb to honour Imam Ahmad Raza Khan.

When and where

Urs-e-Razavi takes place once every lunar year over three consecutive days, running from 23 to 25 Safar on the Islamic calendar.

The main observance takes place at Dargah Ala Hazrat in India. Due to large attendance, linked celebrations are also organized across countries including Pakistan, Bangladesh, South Africa, Mauritius, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

What Urs-e-Razavi means

The observance honours the legacy and religious contributions of Imam Ahmad Raza Khan. Placing a cloth during Chadar Peshi conveys devotion and homage to his memory, while scholarly assemblies foster theological continuity and provide social guidance for the community.

Questions people ask about Urs-e-Razavi

See also

Eid al-FitrThe feast that ends Ramadan, opened with morning prayers, sweets and visits homeKailash Mansarovar YatraA high-altitude pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar in TibetChota Char DhamFour Himalayan shrines in Uttarakhand, visited in one season each yearTheyyamA sacred ritual dance and divine invocation from North Malabar in India

Good reading and sources

• Urs-e-Razavi on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Wikidata recordOpen data

It may contain mistakes. Traditions differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-06.