Tension is mounting in Ajmer's world-renowned Ajmer Sharif Dargah ahead of the upcoming Urs. The conflict between the Dargah Committee and the Khadims (traditional custodians of the shrine) has intensified over a recent license order.
Rajasthan: A new controversy is deepening these days at the world-renowned shrine of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti in Ajmer. Following a recent order by the Dargah Committee, the conflict between the Khadims and the Committee has intensified. This dispute is related to the decision to make licenses mandatory for facilitating 'ziyarat' (pilgrimage) at the shrine, a decision which the Khadim community has vehemently rejected. The Dargah Committee had issued an advertisement in this regard on December 1st, setting January 5, 2026, as the last date for application. According to the order, Khadims who facilitate ziyarat will now be required to obtain a license and apply for it.
Dargah Committee's Order
The Dargah Committee issued a notice on December 1st, with January 5, 2026, set as the last date. According to the notice, Khadims facilitating ziyarat will now be required to obtain a license and apply for it. Nazim Bilal Khan explained the reason for this decision, stating that this step has been taken for the security and convenience of visitors (Ziyarins).
He claimed that many Khadims have been found to have a criminal background, and their background verification will be conducted as part of the licensing process. Furthermore, he stated that the Ajmer administration is taking action to remove illegal encroachments inside and around the Dargah, with most of these encroachments reportedly carried out by Khadims.
Khadims' Protest
The Khadims have launched a protest against this order. Syed Sarwar Chishti, secretary of the Dargah's Anjuman Committee, stated that this decision is unfair and unilateral. He said, “The Dargah is not under anyone’s private ownership. This is the Dargah of Khwaja Garib Nawaz. For centuries, the Khadims have been its true custodians. We will not accept any arbitrary decree from a committee.”
Sarwar Chishti further alleged that the Committee takes no concrete action regarding encroachments and security matters on the ground. He stated that while there is talk of installing cameras, there is no ground monitoring. He also asserted that no licensing process will be accepted from the Khadims.
Security Concerns Ahead of Urs
This dispute could impact the upcoming Urs 2025, which is set to begin on December 17th and draws millions of Ziyarins to Ajmer every year. The Dargah Committee believes that the licensing process is essential to ensure visitor safety and orderly management. Bilal Khan stated, "This decision has been implemented only after approval from the Supreme Court and the Central Government. The licensing process is solely from the perspective of security and convenience."
Currently, both sides remain firm on their respective stands. The Khadims consider this an attack on their heritage rights, while the Committee emphasizes security and adherence to rules. The administration is also continuously monitoring the situation to prevent any law and order problems during the Urs.
