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Galiyakot is a small
village of Tehsil Sagwara in Dungarpur District. It is located on the
banks of the river Mahi and holds special significance for Dawoodi Bohras,
a sect of the Ismaili Shia Muslims. They converge at Galiyakot for
'ziyarat' (pilgrimage) at the memorial of the revered saint, Sayyed
Fakhruddin, The mausoleum is called Mazar-e-Fakhri. The followers of the
saint arrive here not only from the States of Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and
Rajasthan but also from abroad.
THE
URS
Thousands of followers and
devotees converge at the shrine during the annual Urs, which is celebrated
on the 27th day of Moharram, the first month of the Muslim calendar. Many
devotees seek blessings of the saint to have their wishes fulfilled. This
is called 'mannat' and generally, the devotees come to the shrine again to
express their gratitude after their wishes are fulfilled.
Before the Urs
ceremonies begin, the tomb is decorated with flowers and lit up with
lamps. The Urs is initiated with mass prayers and recitation of the Holy
Quran. A devotional gathering called 'majlis' is held wherein songs are
sung in praise of the saint. A free community lunch is organised and all
the devotees feel privileged to partake of that feast. The ceremonies of
the Urs are headed by the Dai-ul- Mutlaq, who is the religious head of the
community. People make offerings at the shrine consisting of sweets,
fruits, coconut and jaggery. Cash offerings are also made.
HOW TO
REACH
Besides
Dungarpur, the nearest rail head is Dahod, on the Delhi - Mumbai route and
the 96 kms. distance from here to Galiyakot can be covered by bus. Another
route is from Ratlam, 144 kms. A bus service connects the village to
Udaipur, 160 kms. |
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