Jehla Mubarak procession: A timeless celebration of faith and unity at Khwaja Bandanawaz’s dargah in Gulbarga

Hyderabad: As twilight bathes Gulbarga in Karnataka in golden hues, the Jehla Mubarak procession awakens the city, turning its streets into a vibrant tapestry of devotion and harmony.

This sacred ritual, a cornerstone of the Urs-e-Sharief at the Dargah of Hazrat Khwaja Bandanawaz Gesudaraz, pays homage to the 14th-century Chishti Sufi saint whose teachings of love, tolerance, and compassion continue to resonate.

This year, the event holds profound significance as Syed Ali Al Hussain, the young scion of the Dargah, leads the ceremony for the first time, following the passing of his revered father, Dr Syed Shah Gesudaraz Khusraw Hussaini. For Gulbarga’s residents and pilgrims alike, the procession is a profound celebration of faith’s power to unite.

Jehla Mubarak procession is a captivating spiritual experience

For generations of Gulbarga’s children, the Jhela Mubarak procession is a memory of pure wonder. The sight of the ‘dear devil’—a fearless devotee walking atop the towering tomb of Khwaja Bandanawaz, illuminated by flickering fire—is nothing short of breathtaking. This bold act, a vivid expression of trust in the saint’s protective grace, captivates hearts, young and old. Known as Gesudaraz (long locks) for his flowing hair, Khwaja Bandanawaz’s spiritual presence is palpable during this ritual, drawing thousands to the dargah.

Following the procession

The procession begins at Mehboob Gulshan Public Garden, where devotees embark on a joyous march, carrying sandal paste to the dargah on Rauza-e-Buzurg. This act signals the start of the Urs, accompanied by sacred rituals like Khidmat-e-Fatiha, the rhythmic Band Sama and the soulful Mehfil-e-Sama (qawwali gatherings).

The sharing of Tabarruk (blessed food) and the collective Namaz-e-Asir foster a deep sense of community, as voices unite in prayer and song beneath Gulbarga’s starlit sky.

Reverence for Khwaja Bandanawaz

The Jehla Mubarak procession is more than a ritual—it is a testament to the Deccan’s rich socio-religious fabric. Hindus and Muslims, locals and pilgrims from across India, gather in shared reverence for Khwaja Bandanawaz, whose life embodied interfaith harmony.

A prolific scholar, poet and mystic, the saint authored over 195 works, including the renowned Tafsirul-Multaqat, and his teachings bridged divides in a region of cultural confluence. The dargah, cherished for its serene ambience, stands as a sanctuary where diversity thrives. Visitors often complement their pilgrimage with Gulbarga’s culinary treasures, savouring traditional sweets like Mal Puri, which add warmth to the spiritual journey.

A new era of leadership

This year’s Urs carries an emotional weight, as the dargah mourns the loss of Dr Syed Shah Gesudaraz Khusraw Hussaini, a beloved guardian of the saint’s legacy.

Stepping into this esteemed role, Syed Ali Al Hussain leads the Jehla procession with grace and determination, embodying the continuity of tradition. His leadership, supported by the Khaja Education Society, which also oversees Khaja Bandanawaz University, ensures the dargah remains a pillar of education, healthcare and unity for minority communities.

As the young scion guides the procession through Gulbarga’s glowing streets, the fire-walker’s ascent and the qawwalis’ melodies reaffirm the saint’s timeless message: faith transcends boundaries, and love endures.

A legacy that inspires

The Jehla Mubarak procession is a bridge between past and present, a celebration of Gulbarga’s spiritual and cultural heritage. As the sandal paste is offered, the tomb glows under firelight, and devotees unite in prayer, Khwaja Bandanawaz’s spirit continues to inspire hope and togetherness. For Syed Ali Al Hussain and the thousands who gather, this year’s Urs is both a tribute to a storied past and a step toward a future rooted in compassion.

The author is Dr Haseeb Jafferi, a descendant of Salabath Jung from the Nizam family, is a distinguished speaker, experiential educator, and cultural curator steeped in Hyderabadi Tehzeeb, Heritage, and Sufism. As the founder of Sufi Trails (@sufi_trails), he curates immersive experiences like city trails, dawaths, and storytelling baithaks, celebrating the Deccan’s heritage. A featured speaker at the Hyderabad Literary Festival, he captivated audiences with his talk on 'Adaab e Paandan.' Dr. Jafferi also serves as Chief Manager of Training and Learning at a leading bank, holding a Ph.D. in Pharmacy and diplomas in experiential education and leadership.