By Team Clarion
NEW DELHI — Fresh concern has emerged among devotees after prayers were reportedly restricted at the historic Hazrat Khwaja Sultan Ghori Dargah during the annual Urs (commemoration of the death anniversary) gathering on Wednesday, with some visitors alleging that officials prevented people from offering namaz and quickly cleared the premises.
The issue has gained attention at a time when discussions around religious sites and heritage structures continue across the country. Devotees visiting the shrine in the Mahipalpur area of Delhi’s Vasant Kunj said the atmosphere during this year’s Urs was very different from previous years.
The dargah, associated with centuries-old Sufi traditions, has long been known as a place visited by people from different communities. Every year, large numbers of devotees gather there for prayers after Maghrib (sunset) namaz.
However, several visitors claimed that this year they were not allowed to remain at the shrine after prayers and were asked to leave soon after religious rituals concluded.
According to devotees, officials linked to the Archaeological Survey of India had increased restrictions at the site. Some alleged that even offering namaz was discouraged during the Urs gathering.
A devotee present at the shrine said, “People come here once a year with faith and respect. Suddenly asking them to leave and restricting prayers has deeply upset many visitors.”
Another visitor said, “This place has always represented shared culture and harmony. The restrictions have created confusion and sadness among people.”
The controversy grew further after a security guard posted at the site allegedly told visitors that he was acting on instructions and that prayers could not be allowed there. Some devotees also claimed the guard remarked that the structure was originally a temple, a statement that shocked many present.
This story was originally published in clarionindia.net. Read the full story here.
