TORNOS - India > Sufi Holi and Hindu Ramzan in Lucknow – beyond the brackets of religion

ALSO READ FROM OUR PAST ISSUES OF LUCKNOWLEDGE > >

Lucknowledge

Newsletter


Sufi Holi and Hindu Ramzan in Lucknow – beyond the brackets of religion

Volume: 19, No: 02 ; February-2025

Dewa Sharif Dargah, the shrine of Sufi saint Haji Waris Ali Shah, stands as a unique testament to communal harmony in India. Unlike anywhere else in the country, Holi is celebrated here with joyous enthusiasm. Born in 1817 AD, the saint belonged to the Qadiriyya and Chishtiyya schools of Sufism. While initiated in the traditional Chishtiyya Sufi order, he embraced a more liberal view, allowing his followers to practice their own religions.

As a young boy, Waris Ali Shah became a disciple of Haji Khadim Ali Shah, a Sufi dervish from Golaganj, Lucknow. He remained with his mentor until the latter’s passing in 1832-33. As he matured, Waris Ali Shah traveled extensively, gaining disciples and recognition for his inclusive philosophy. Following his death in 1905, his disciples constructed the dargah that remains a prominent shrine in Uttar Pradesh today. The shrine embodies the unity between Muslims and Hindus, both of whom frequent it regularly.

Holi at the dargah is predominantly played with shades of yellow, the revered color at the shrine. Notably, Muslims actively participate in the festivities, often more so than Hindus. Haji Waris Ali Shah’s disciples typically wear yellow, and devotees travel from afar to partake in this unique Holi celebration that transcends religion and caste.

“In these times of communal conflict, Dewa Sharif serves as a beacon of harmony. Thousands who believe in oneness visit daily, and the entire township has flourished around the shrine. For Hindus, Haji Waris Ali Shah is Lord Krishna; for Christians, he is Jesus; and for Muslims, he embodies the Prophet’s essence. He is one of the rare saints embraced by every religion,” remarked Karim Khan, a flower shop owner outside the dargah.

The shrine also operates a home for the destitute, providing free food and shelter to those in need. The daily langar (community feast) offers roti and dal to devotees, while during festivals, the dargah community prepares elaborate dishes like biryani, qorma, sheermal, and kheer. During Ramadan, Hindus share Iftari and serve sherbat to fasting Muslims. During Janmashtami, a tableau of Lord Krishna is carried around the shrine’s campus and worshipped with deep reverence.

LUCKNOWLEDGE is an initiative by Tornos. We do not intend to intrude your privacy and thus have an automated UNSUBSCRIBE system. At any point you may unsubscribe to our e-column or subscribe to it again through a link on our website. The above article is shared and in no way intends to violate any copy right or intellectual rights that always remains with the writer/publisher. This e-column is a platform to share an article/event/update with the netizens and educate them about Destination Lucknow.

Sufi Holi and Hindu Ramzan in Lucknow – beyond the brackets of religion

Dewa Sharif Dargah, the shrine of Sufi saint Haji Waris Ali Shah, stands as a unique testament to communal harmony in India. Unlike anywhere else in the country, Holi is celebrated here with joyous enthusiasm. Born in 1817 AD, the saint belonged to the Qadiriyya and Chishtiyya schools of Sufism. While initiated in the traditional Chishtiyya Sufi order, he embraced a more liberal view, allowing his followers to practice their own religions.

As a young boy, Waris Ali Shah became a disciple of Haji Khadim Ali Shah, a Sufi dervish from Golaganj, Lucknow. He remained with his mentor until the latter’s passing in 1832-33. As he matured, Waris Ali Shah traveled extensively, gaining disciples and recognition for his inclusive philosophy. Following his death in 1905, his disciples constructed the dargah that remains a prominent shrine in Uttar Pradesh today. The shrine embodies the unity between Muslims and Hindus, both of whom frequent it regularly.

Holi at the dargah is predominantly played with shades of yellow, the revered color at the shrine. Notably, Muslims actively participate in the festivities, often more so than Hindus. Haji Waris Ali Shah’s disciples typically wear yellow, and devotees travel from afar to partake in this unique Holi celebration that transcends religion and caste.

“In these times of communal conflict, Dewa Sharif serves as a beacon of harmony. Thousands who believe in oneness visit daily, and the entire township has flourished around the shrine. For Hindus, Haji Waris Ali Shah is Lord Krishna; for Christians, he is Jesus; and for Muslims, he embodies the Prophet’s essence. He is one of the rare saints embraced by every religion,” remarked Karim Khan, a flower shop owner outside the dargah.

The shrine also operates a home for the destitute, providing free food and shelter to those in need. The daily langar (community feast) offers roti and dal to devotees, while during festivals, the dargah community prepares elaborate dishes like biryani, qorma, sheermal, and kheer. During Ramadan, Hindus share Iftari and serve sherbat to fasting Muslims. During Janmashtami, a tableau of Lord Krishna is carried around the shrine’s campus and worshipped with deep reverence.