The sacred flag hoisting ceremony at the revered Ajmer Dargah Sharif was conducted under a massive security blanket on Wednesday, marking the commencement of the annual Urs festivities. This heightened state of alert comes in direct response to two recent bomb threats that targeted the Sufi shrine, forcing authorities to implement unprecedented safety measures.
Unprecedented Security Deployment for Sacred Ritual
As per centuries-old tradition, members of the Gori family from Bhilwara performed the ritual of hoisting the flag, known as 'Chadar Poshi', on the shrine's grand Buland Darwaza (main entrance). However, this year's ceremony was starkly different. The Ajmer police's commando battalion took positions on every nearby rooftop and monitored all windows overlooking the site. The visual was one of deep devotion set against a backdrop of intense vigilance.
A senior police official emphasized the critical nature of the security overhaul. "Security at the dargah is our top priority, in light of these threats. We have deployed additional forces this year, including the women's battalion of the Rani Hadi reserve force," he stated. The shrine had to be evacuated and thoroughly searched twice earlier this month following hoax bomb calls, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
New Measures and Round-the-Clock Surveillance
In a first, the police have established a temporary police outpost at the nearby Kaya Vishramsthali, a facility where thousands of devotees will stay during the Urs. This move aims to ensure rapid response and a constant security presence amidst the pilgrim crowds.
The official further detailed the technological surveillance in place. "All cameras pointed toward the dargah and surrounding area, as well as those inside the premises, are being monitored 24/7," he added. This integrated security apparatus of human force and electronic eyes is designed to safeguard the millions of devotees expected to attend the Urs, which celebrates the death anniversary of the beloved Sufi saint, Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti.
A Celebration of Faith Amidst Challenges
The Urs is one of India's largest and most peaceful religious gatherings, attracting followers from all faiths. The bomb threats, though deemed hoaxes, have cast a shadow over the preparations. However, the administration's robust response seeks to ensure that the spiritual significance of the event remains undiminished. The focus is firmly on allowing devotees to participate in the rituals and prayers with a sense of safety and peace, upholding the dargah's centuries-old legacy of harmony and devotion.
