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The soulful serenity of Sufi shrines in India

What makes Sufi shrines in India so unique is their atmosphere of inclusivity and solace

Evenings at the Sufi shrine of Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah in Delhi are magical moments as the air is thick with the sounds of devotional Qawwali music. As the sun sets, musicians gather to perform for an audience of pilgrims, locals, and travelers alike. The experience, in a word, is transformative— the rhythmic beats and soulful lyrics transport listeners to another realm, offering a deep sense of peace that words can scarcely describe.

Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah is just one such place. Across India’s bustling cities and quiet towns, there are places where the cacophony of life fades into the background, and peace takes over in the most profound way. These are the Sufi shrines, sanctuaries of solace where music, prayer, and a deep sense of spirituality blend seamlessly. The mystical pull of Sufi music, with its hypnotic rhythms and transcendent lyrics, offers a sanctuary for those seeking peace, solace, or a deeper connection to the divine.

Sufi music is more than just a genre — it’s a spiritual journey. Rooted in the teachings of great Sufi saints, this form of devotional music is meant to be a pathway to God, often performed at Sufi shrines to celebrate a saint’s life or during significant festivals. In India, where spirituality and devotion form an intrinsic part of daily life, Sufi shrines have become iconic for the unique blend of music, faith, and sense of community that they offer.

The origins of Sufi music are deeply intertwined with the history of Sufism itself. With its roots in the 8th century, Sufism grew and flourished in India, thanks in part to the arrival of Sufi saints like Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. His shrine in Ajmer is one of the most revered Sufi shrines in India and attracts millions of devotees every year.

Sufi music, or Qawwali, evolved as a means of spiritual expression and devotion. The word Qawwali is derived from “Qaol,” meaning “to speak,” and indeed, Sufis believe the music speaks to the soul. Performed with rhythmic clapping, harmoniums, and powerful vocals, it transcends language barriers, touching listeners with its sheer spiritual force.

Sufi poetry and music too play a role not only in religious life but also in Indian popular culture, and there have been quite a few movies made in India where the inclusion of Sufi music has been much appreciated critically and commercially.

Sanctuaries of peace

What makes Sufi shrines in India so unique is their atmosphere of inclusivity and solace. Regardless of one’s religious beliefs, caste, or creed, everyone is welcome here. These shrines have long been places where people come to seek blessings, healing, or simply a moment of quiet reflection.

Sufis emphasize a connection with the divine through saints, often referred to as pirs, and Sufi orders usually follow a specific Sufi pir – for example, the Chistiyya Sufi order follows the ascetic, poet and philosopher Moinuddin Chishty, while the Qadriyya order is based on the writings and poetry of Abdul Qadir Gilani. It is not uncommon to see people of different religious backgrounds visit the tombs of Sufi pirs to offer their respects. In fact, at Ajmer Sharif, nearly 40% of the visitors are non-Muslims, a testament to the universal appeal of these places.

For many, the journey to a Sufi shrine is not just a religious pilgrimage but a spiritual one. The quiet of the tombs, the fragrance of incense, and the echoes of Qawwali provide an atmosphere that fosters introspection and inner peace.

Sufi music continues to captivate hearts around the world. Iconic singers like Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and Abida Parveen have brought this mystical music to global stages, but in the narrow streets surrounding India’s Sufi shrines, it remains as authentic as ever. In these sacred spaces, music is not just heard—it is felt, as a prayer in motion, guiding those who listen to a deeper state of peace.

The author is a freelance writer with Milabalyawmi.