In preparation for the annual Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, authorities in Ajmer have taken stringent measures to ensure order and safety. The Ajmer Municipal Corporation (AMC) has sealed a total of thirteen under-construction buildings in the sensitive Dargah region, enforcing an existing construction ban.
Enforcement of Construction Ban
This recent action by the AMC adds to a previous enforcement drive where 24 similar buildings were sealed. The crackdown is a direct response to the ban on construction activities that is implemented annually as the sacred Urs festival approaches. The focus is on maintaining the sanctity and safety of the area, which will see an immense influx of pilgrims.
Security and Arrangements for Devotees
Security has been significantly ramped up across the city. The Govt Railway Police (GRP) has increased its vigilance on railway platforms, anticipating a large surge in devotees arriving by train. For law and order, the district police have established a temporary police chowki at Kayar Vishramsthali, the primary accommodation site for visitors.
To combat the cold winter weather, the district administration has set up temporary tents at Kayar Vishramsthali to keep devotees warm. In a move to provide essential amenities, devotees staying there will have access to food packets at concessional rates, along with cooking cylinders and other necessary grocery items.
Urs Rituals and Official Statements
The formal commencement of the Urs is marked for December 17, with the Gori family from Bhilwara performing the traditional flag-hoisting ceremony at the Buland Darwaja. The core rituals will begin with the sighting of the moon on December 21, after which the sacred Jannati Darwaza will remain open for devotees for the following six days.
Additional District Magistrate Narendra Kumar Meena assured that all arrangements are complete. "The district administration is in-charge of law and order and facilities for the devotees, and everything is in place," he stated. On a related note, an Intelligence Bureau official mentioned that "no information has been received till now about a Pakistani delegation coming to attend the Urs."
With these comprehensive preparations involving building seals, heightened security, and detailed logistical planning, Ajmer is gearing up to host the thousands of devotees expected for the spiritual event peacefully and securely.
