It's time for faith, feasting at Ajmer Urs

The annual Urs in Ajmer is the amalgamation of all cultures and traditions turning the holy town into a multi-ethnic India. 

Qawalis and recitals of the Quran inside the Dargah reverberates in the air while the narrow alleys encircling the shrine are filled with the aroma of delicacies turning the area into a foodie’s paradise.

From halwa-parantha for north Indians for breakfast to kadi-khichdi, a staple food of Gujaratis, the menu is all about variety. South Indians get their fish-rice and Kashmiris have ‘waz wah’ for dinner. Even for foreigners, less spicy food is available along with green or black tea.

“This is the time of the year when we do not close our shops even for a single minute. In addition, cooks are hired who work on rotation basis,” said Mohammad Faiz, owner of Momin hotel, known for its Mughlai dishes.

Over a lakh devotees from various parts of the country have flocked to the Ajmer Dargah and food zones like Langer Khana, Khamani Gate, Ander Kote, Adai Din Ka Jhopda, Chotta Chowk, Bada Chowk and Dargah Bazaar. It’s the perfect time for combining faith and feasting. The crowded Langer Khana which has 25-30 restaurants serves all kinds of non-vegetarian dishes cooked in north and south Indian style. 

Foreigners prefer Indian curry and lentil soup with rice. Riyaz Khan, a hotel owner, is playing host to a Turkish group and has brought in cooks from Delhi and Jaipur to fulfill the needs of devotees from abroad. 

Around 300 cooks have been called in from Gujarat to serve in various restaurants around the Dargah area.