Nagpur: An atmosphere of deep spirituality and devotion has descended on Tajbagh as more than two lakh devotees from across the country have converged at the shrine of Hazrat Baba Tajuddin Auliya ahead of the grand Darbari Shahi Sandal procession, the most significant event of the ongoing 104th Urs celebrations.The Shahi Sandal, observed on the saint’s Chhabisi, commemorates the historic procession taken out after Baba Tajuddin’s release from the then mental hospital under the patronage of the Bhonsle rulers. The daylong procession retraces the route associated with the revered Sufi saint’s lifetime journey through Nagpur, symbolising faith, gratitude and communal harmony.The dargah complex has been overflowing with pilgrims since Saturday, with devotees offering ziyarat, reciting devotional verses, participating in prayers and qawwali sessions, and seeking blessings of the saint.Dozens of community kitchens (langars) set up by devotees and organisations from across the country have been serving free meals round the clock, continuing a tradition of selfless service that remains one of the defining features of the Urs.Pyare Khan, chairman of the Hazrat Baba Tajuddin Trust (HBT), said more than two lakh devotees have already arrived in Nagpur for the Darbari Shahi Sandal. “Tajbagh is the biggest example of communal harmony. A Hindu goes to a temple, a Christian to a church, a Muslim to a mosque and a Sikh to a gurdwara. Tajbagh is one such place of worship where followers of all faiths come together. It is a living example of the Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb,” he said.Taj Ahmed Raza, secretary of HBT, said the procession will begin at 10 am on Sunday and is expected to return to the shrine around 8 pm after passing through the traditional route associated with Baba Tajuddin’s life. “After the procession returns, devotees will offer ziyarat before dispersing,” he said.The Urs has drawn pilgrims from Maharashtra as well as Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and several other states. Volunteers have been deployed across the shrine complex to guide visitors, while elaborate arrangements have been made to manage the expected surge in footfall during the procession.Saahir Khan, who travelled from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar with five friends, said visiting the shrine during the Urs has become a cherished tradition. “We love all Sufi saints because they bring people closer to Allah. We have come to pray for peace and harmony across India and seek Baba Tajuddin’s blessings,” he said.
