20 December,2010 06:25 AM IST | | The Guide Team
On a silent note, as this time the Trust has requested devotees to avoid dance and noise
The path leading to the Mahim Dargaah is like an emblem of peace with floral shops surrounding the area. The significance of this religious and historical landmark dawns on you, as you notice lakhs of devotees who come from different parts of the city to pay their respect to Makhdum Shah Baba, a revered saint and scholar.
The Hazrat Makhdum Fakih Ali Mahimi Trust, which manages the dargaah has already dispatched letters to qawal groups to avoid loud music and to stick to reciting the Nath Shariyat (poems in praise of the prophet).
Suhail Khandwani, managing trustee of the Hazrat Makhdum Fakih Ali Mahimi Trust, says, "We have requested devotees to avoid loud music as it disturbs neighbours and is also against the religion.
More than half a million devotees visit the fair every year to honour Makdum Shah Baba and to offer Sandals (which comprises perfume, sandalwood paste and incense sticks). In fact, the Mumbai Police offers the first Sandal at the fair followed by the Dargaah trustees and devotees."
An entry in the Bombay City and Island Gazetteer of 1910 shows how special arrangements were made for the urs and festivities.
While the dargaah timings are generally from sunrise to 10 pm, this has been extended to 1 am during this period. The fair will be on till December 31. There will also be more than 300 stalls selling food items, stuffed toys, clothes and cutlery.
