Early morning opening of gate draws devotees from across India
AJMER — The historic Ajmer Sharif Dargah saw large congregations on the morning of 31 January 2026 after the famed Jannati Darwaza was opened at 4 am to mark Eid al-Adha. Devotees assembled from early hours to offer prayers, pass through the revered doorway and seek blessings at the shrine of Khwaja Gharib Nawaz.
Local custodians of the shrine, referred to as khadims, described the turnout as extensive, with people arriving from various parts of India and from border districts. Khadem Daulat Chishti was quoted describing the atmosphere as one of deep reverence, while Khadem Jishan Chishti highlighted participation from remote areas.
“Devotees from far and wide, from across India and abroad, gather here with deep reverence. They pass through the doors to offer their prayers and pay their respects,”
The event, which commemorates Eid al-Adha — the festival of sacrifice observed on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah in the Islamic lunar calendar — brought together families and pilgrims who lined up to enter the sanctum after the early morning opening. According to the reporting, visitors included pilgrims from border regions such as Barmer, Jaisalmer and Kashmir, who travelled specifically to participate in the shrine’s observance.
Messages of brotherhood and wider acknowledgements
Alongside the rites at Ajmer Sharif, public figures extended greetings on the festival. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay sent a message noting the festival’s themes of compassion and sacrifice. In his note, he urged sharing joy with the poor and highlighted the festival as a reminder of humanitarian values and communal harmony.
- Gate opened: Jannati Darwaza
- Time: 4 am, 31 January 2026
- Occasion: Eid al-Adha
- Noted visitor regions: Barmer, Jaisalmer, Kashmir and other parts of India
Authorities at the shrine coordinated arrangements to handle the morning rush and maintain decorum during the prayers. The shrine’s management typically mobilises volunteer staff and local security during major religious events to manage crowd flow and provide assistance to pilgrims.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | Eid al-Adha prayers at Ajmer Sharif Dargah |
| Gate | Jannati Darwaza |
| Opening time | 4 am (31 January 2026) |
| Visitor origins | Across India; noted: Barmer, Jaisalmer, Kashmir |
Ajmer Sharif, set against the ochre landscape of Rajasthan, remains a focal point for pilgrims of many faiths and regions. The shrine’s rituals and the opening of its gates on special days draw attention beyond the city, reinforcing Ajmer’s long-standing role as a centre of spiritual convergence in northern India.
Observers noted that the festival observance followed the completion of Hajj rituals in Saudi Arabia, and devotees who had recently returned from pilgrimage joined local worshippers in paying respects at the Dargah. Khadem Jishan Chishti emphasised the sense of unity: “On this day of Eid, specifically, people from the border regions of Barmer, Jaisalmer, and Kashmir arrive at the shrine of Garib Nawaz, bringing with them their deep devotion.”
As the day progressed, volunteers and shrine staff continued to assist the flow of devotees while ensuring that traditional customs were observed. The gathering underscored both the religious significance of Eid al-Adha and Ajmer’s enduring place in the devotional geography of the subcontinent.
Local residents and municipal authorities typically adjust traffic and public services during such gatherings; however, specific operational details for this occasion were not included in the report.
For many in Ajmer and visiting pilgrims, the morning’s prayers at the Dargah reaffirmed longstanding ties of faith and community, with messages of sacrifice, compassion and shared humanity resonating throughout the courtyard and its surroundings.
