Ajmer Qawwali | Khwaja Garib Nawaz Qawwali | Kgn Qawali

Syed F N Chisty
Nov 15, 2024
3 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

Ajmer Qawwali

The vision of Khwaja Garib Nawaz Foundation UK takes strength from the teachings of Ajmer Sharif Dargah India.

Ajmer is famous across the world for its peace, spirituality and centuries-old devotion. Of the countless beautiful moments that this wonderful city throws up, some of my fondest memories are qawwali sessions at the Dargah of Khwaja Garib Nawaz. These aren’t just music get-togethers. They are moments that take people closer to the divine and help them feel the deep love contained in Sufi music.

The qawwali lineage in Ajmer is of the old mystic sufi vintage, mystical, pious and gracious. As you enter the Dargah, you hear gentle harmoniums, the rustling tap of the tabla and voices intoning praises. Such sounds gracefully waft through the heart of the courtyard and touch deeply with softer notes, whether devoted hearts or travelers from any corner of the world. The music blends feelings of longing, peace, hope and gratitude. For many, this is the highlight of their trip.

Qawwali has always been about expressing love for the Creator. In Ajmer, this is even more effective as it is in the holy presence of Khwaja Garib Nawaz. People sit silently, some with their eyes closed, others intently listening as the qawwals sing verses pregnant with significance. Every line reiterates the mercy, kindness and guidance that has been in Ajmer Sharif's message for ages. The performances aren’t just for entertainment. They should open the heart and remind the soul of God’s love.

The lines chanted in these gatherings often reflect themes of commitment, spiritual yearning for proximity and the grace-filled allure of surrender to the divine. The qawwali is something many find soothing and elevating. Even people who don’t understand the words sense the depths of emotion beneath them. The energy in the place, the devout men and their peaceful surroundings at the Dargah make it a moment to remember for people once they are gone.

On special days, the Dargah is even more lively. Devotees can be seen offering flowers, lighting incense sticks or offering chadar as the qawwali recital goes on in the background. The timing of the music resonates with the pulse of the crowd, between prayer and sound it is beautiful harmony. This is when many visitors say they feel closest to Khwaja Garib Nawaz and the message of peace he spread around the world.

If you live in Ajmer and have never been, you will often hear recommendations for the KGN Qawwali evenings. These evenings are a congregation of talented qawwals who have devoted their lives to preserving this art form. Their words become more and more impassioned, while each rendition is accompanied by the performers’ growing identification with the spiritual impetus of the Dargah. This is powerful stuff, emotional and unforgettable. The mixture of music, devotion and impermanence instructs people that life is brief, love is essential and peace lies in the path.

Qawwali sessions also depict the oneness of Ajmer. And people who come from such different places sit together, share this moment, and feel the same peace. The Dargah does not know any Hindu-Muslims there. In music and devotion we are all one. This unity is in line with the thoughts of Khwaja Garib Nawaz, who gave love and affection to one and all, urging people to teach lessons of love amongst human beings.

Ajmer Qawwali is always lovable. It weaves together old traditions and current moments, and will ensure visitors leave understanding why Ajmer is known as the spiritual heart of Rajasthan.” There is a message of love in these beats, words and melodies that has traversed centuries. It has been said that even if one attends only once, one wants to return just to hear it again and experience the peace they feel in doing so.

Ajmer Qawwali is not just a performance. It is a connection between people and their inner life, a brief moment of stillness in the rhythm of daily life and the realization that devotion can be delivered in many beautiful ways. Those who are visiting Ajmer, should never miss to experience the qawwali at the Dargah.