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Ajmer is well known as the “Heart of Rajasthan,” a place where history is alive, not in books. Located within the protective fold of the Aravallis, it is a bridge between the sacred and the profane, the past and present. Uncover the glorious history of Ajmer, more than a historical route through its monuments, more than a journey to understand the past, and a recognition of the Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb that has held this region together for the past 800 years.
A tour of Ajmer requires more than traversing its tumultuous roads; it also demands entry into the rich traditions that define life in this city. From their heartbeat-inducing Qawwalis at Dargah to their colourful cattle fairs at nearby Pushkar, Ajmer’s local culture in a nutshell, something each tourist ought to know.
The Sufi Legacy of Ajmer:
The Ajmer Sharif Dargah is a shrine dedicated to the Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, the most defining feature of the city. The culture of the place has been greatly impacted by the “Sulh-e-Kul” or “Peace with all” philosophy propounded by the saint. The uniqueness of this place, being a religious destination, is the opposite of most other religious sites, where entry is restricted to a select few. One would perform “a mannat” being tied by Hindus, Sikhs, and Christians at the dargah sharif.
Travellers should note that the name of this saint, Gharib Nawaz, indicates the kindhearted nature of this city. The Langar culture is deeply rooted in this city. Mughal emperors Akbar and Jahangir gifted two massive cauldrons called the “Deghs.” The Khadims who prepare “Kesari Bhat” mixed with love and charity and serve it to many people in thousands, a noble spectacle in this culture.
Sound and Light Show in Ajmer:
Ajmer’s culture is sensory, mainly through the traditions of Qawwalis and Dua-e-Roshni. At sunset every evening, with Taragarh hill silhouetted in its backdrop, the dargah changes. The Dua-e-Roshni ceremony involves lighting silver lamps and carrying them through the shrine as drums beat rhythmically while Persian invocations are recited.
Afterwards, the Mehfil-e-Sama begins in the Qawwali hall. These are religious songs, and as performances go, they are forms of meditation that help a listener get closer to the Divine. There’s no better way than sitting on a cold marble floor among hundreds of mesmerised devotees and just listening to the swell of the crescendo of a harmonium and clapping hands.
The Sacred Twin Towns of Ajmer & Pushkar:
Pushkar is located around 15 kms away from the hills in the Nag Pahar range, is essentially a cultural extension of the city of Ajmer. The culture of both Ajmer and Pushkar is beyond recognition. While Ajmer is known for being a stronghold of Sufism, Pushkar is another highly sacred place in Hinduism, housing the only prominent Brahma temple in the world.
The contrast between these environments is an interesting example of cultural contrast. In Ajmer, the Mughlai pattern is evident in the Urdu dialect with Persian overtones. In Pushkar, the environment suddenly changes with the recitation of “old Sanskrit prayers” and the sight of “Sadhus doing the Aarti” alongside the 52 ghats of Pushkar Lake. The Pushkar Camel Fair or Pushkar Mela in November is the culmination of all this blending of cultures as Yasni devices so effectively here, where thousands of desert-dwellers from Rajasthan come with their camels to fill the desert landscape with colored turbans, folk music, and folk dances like the “Kalbelia.”
A melting pot of flavours: The food habits of Ajmer reflect its varied past. It serves as a unique contrast of Rajasthani vegetarian staples along with Mughlai non-vegetarian dishes. A traveller’s taste must navigate between the two to understand local culture. The city wakes up to the smell of Kachoris and Sohan Halwa. Ajmeri Sohan Halwa is the stuff of legends, a sweet delight that has ruled the hearts and taste buds of locals for generations. Rich in ghee, deep and nutty, it’s a dessert one cannot miss. As the sun starts to set, the “Khao Gali” near the Dargah fills up with the fumes of Charcoal-grilled kebabs and delectable Biryani. Try out the delicious Dal Baati Churma, a traditional Rajasthani fare, for lunch and a Nalli Nihari for dinner, which is what makes up the Ajmer melting pot culture.
Artistry and the Lively Bazaars:
Ajmer has an understated, though strong, culture of handicrafts. The nearby village of Kishangarh is world-renowned for its miniature painting school, most especially the “Bani Thani” school, sometimes referred to as India’s “Mona Lisa.” Travellers can see these beautiful, large-eyed images on canvases and marble plates in local shops.
Gota Patti is considered significant in the city of Ajmer. One can generally notice women sitting inside the courtyards, stitching with patience to create some sort of intricate design on bright colored saris. The bazaars like Madar Gate, Dargah Bazaar, and Naya Bazaar are basically social meeting points. Haggling or bargaining is an honored tradition for locals who visit here for shopping.
Conclusion –
The culture of Ajmer is a living and breathing tapestry of piety, cuisine, and folklore. This is a destination that will prove to you that different worlds can exist on the same road – that the appeals of prayer from a minaret can coexist with the ringing of temple bells in the distance. People who enjoy Qawwals, the Halwa, and the long-standing traditions of doing things in a certain way are doing something more than just visiting Ajmer; they are a part of it.