Locals pray for rain at Moinuddin Chishti’s shrine

AJMER - Seeking an end to the continuing dry spell, the locals in Rajasthan’s Ajmer city offered special prayers at the shrine of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti on the special occasion of ‘Chatti Sharif’.

Scores of devotees flocked to the ‘dargah’ (tomb-shrine) of the saint and prayed for rain, as it is a common belief that all prayers are answered on this day.

“Whole Rajasthan is hit by a dry spell. And I have full faith that the Gareeb Nawaz (title of the saint) will answer our prayers and we will have heavy rains,” said Khutbudin Sakhi, the ‘Khaadim’, or caretaker of the shrine.

While the monsoon showers have ushered relief in some regions, Rajasthan is still facing an acute water shortage.

“I come here every month. Rajasthan is facing an acute water crisis. Mumbai is having good rains. Only the ‘dargah’ (tomb-shrine) has the water facilities. Otherwise, outside it is a huge problem,” said Nazima, a devotee from Mumbai.

“Drinking water is also not easily available. And all the devotees are praying that Ajmer receives a good downpour,” he added.

The mercury shot beyond the 40-degree mark in April this year, portending extreme temperatures ahead. (ANI)