Dargahs

A dargah is a shrine built over the tomb of a Sufi saint or a revered religious figure in the Muslim world, most prominently in South Asia. The word dargah comes from Persian and Urdu, often interpreted as a threshold or doorway, signaling an entry to the saint’s barakah (blessing). Dargahs function as places of ziyarat, where devotees visit to pay respects, seek spiritual solace, or request intercession.

Historically, dargahs arose within the Sufi traditions that spread across the Indian subcontinent and surrounding regions. They are typically associated with a Sufi order or lineage and may become centers of community life, charity, music, and learning. While many are located in bustling urban centers, others are situated in towns and rural areas, often becoming important local landmarks and pilgrimage sites. Notable examples include the Ajmer Sharif Dargah of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti in Ajmer, Data Darbar in Lahore, Haji Ali Dargah in Mumbai, and the Nizamuddin Dargah in Delhi.

Architecturally, dargahs commonly feature a tomb chamber beneath a domed structure, sometimes enclosed by an ornate lattice (zarih) and crowned by a dome or minaret. Adjacent facilities may include courtyards, mosques, prayer halls, and spaces for charitable feeding (langar) and offerings. Devotional practices vary but often include recitation of prayers, qawwali singing, and the presentation of chadars (cloth coverings), flowers, lamps, or food.

Dargahs continue to play a significant role in cultural and religious life, hosting annual urs celebrations that mark a saint’s death anniversary, as well as everyday acts of worship. They can also be sites of social gathering, interfaith dialogue, and, at times, political or sectarian contestation.