Urs at Galiyakot

Galiyakot is a smallish village located in Dungarpur district which is 160 km from Udaipur, Rajasthan. Urs is a Muslim festival which is celebrated on the 27th day of Moharram, the first month of the Muslim calander. This festival is celebrated in the memory of saint of Ismaili Shia Muslims, Saint Sayyed Fakhruddin.

The festival is held in great respect by Muslim devotees. The followers of the saint assemble here to offer prayers at the shrine. The devotees are not only from the various states of India but also from abroad. The wishes of the devotees are called 'mannat' and it is believed that their wishes are granted by the Saint.

The tomb is decorated with flowers and lights. The inception of the festival is marked by the recitation of the Holy Quran. Dai-UI-Mutlaq, the religious head of the community takes the lead during the ceremony.

Devotees make offerings of fruits, sweets, coconut and jaggery at the shrine. After the ceremony people assembled there are offered free lunch that is a mouthwatering treat.

The festival endorses melodious Qawwalis sung by professional qawwals in honor of the saint. Poets of all communities recite compositions dedicated to the Khwaja during the fair.