Nagpur: Lakhs of devotees from across India and abroad converged at Tajbagh on Sunday for Darbari Shahi Sandal of Sufi saint Hazrat Baba Tajuddin Auliya, turning the shrine and adjoining roads into a sea of humanity.Thousands queued for hours to catch a glimpse of the saint’s chadar, chanting “Ya Tajwale” as the procession wound its way through the traditional route associated with the saint. The unprecedented rush, however, meant that many devotees could not get close enough for ziyarat despite waiting for several hours.The 15km Darbari Shahi Sandal, observed on the Chhabisi of the saint’s Urs, is regarded as the most significant event of the annual celebrations. The procession commemorates the historic day when Baba Tajuddin was released from the Regional Mental Hospital under the patronage of the Bhonsle rulers and was taken in a ceremonial procession to Tajbagh. Since then, devotees have continued the tradition by taking out the saint’s chadar along the same route, believing that even a glimpse of it brings blessings and fulfils heartfelt prayers.The massive turnout reflected the ever-growing appeal of the Urs, which has become one of central India’s largest Sufi congregations attracting followers cutting across religions, regions and nationalities. Trust officials said the turnout touched nearly four lakh this year.Faizan Ahmed Khan, a devotee, said the enthusiasm this year reminded him of crowds witnessed during the Ajmer Sharif Urs. “Trains, buses and flights to Nagpur have been packed with devotees. There is an Ajmer-like euphoria this year,” he said.Khan said the Urs is no longer confined to Nagpur, with commemorative events now being organised in countries such as South Africa and in cities across the United Kingdom, reflecting Baba Tajuddin’s expanding global following.Hazrat Baba Tajuddin Trust chairman Pyare Khan said devotees from every faith patiently waited in queues to kiss the saint’s chadar as it passed through Ashok Chowk and Teen Naal Chowk.“Lakhs of people gather because they believe that even a glimpse of Baba’s chadar brings blessings and answers their unfulfilled prayers. This faith draws them to Tajbagh year after year,” he said.Khan also commended Nagpur Police CP Vishwas Nangre Patil for personally monitoring the procession on foot. “He remained present throughout the Sandal, supervising the arrangements himself. This was the first time a CP was seen monitoring the entire procession on foot, and devotees appreciated the gesture,” he said.Prabhag 30 corporator Shakil Patel described the Sandal procession as “magnificent”, but said the overwhelming crowd left many devotees disappointed as they could not have ziyarat.Mominpura corporator Wasim Khan praised the arrangements made by the administration but suggested that additional facilities would be needed in future. “The number of devotees coming from outside Nagpur is increasing every year. Better shelter and transport facilities should be provided for them,” he said.
