Ajmer, August 24: The 18th International Sufi Color Festival 2026 commenced with grandeur at the historic Mehfil Khana of the Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti Dargah in Ajmer. On the first day, over 50,000 devotees from across the country and abroad participated in this spiritual celebration. According to the organizers, this year’s festival has witnessed one of the largest crowds in its 18-year history.
The five-day festival features 43 renowned artists from various countries, including India. The event is led by Haji Syed Salman Chishti, Chairman of the Chishti Foundation, along with Festival Director Dr. Azeem S. Memon, Festival Advisor Ambassador Dr. Faheem F. Khan, and Coordinator Ustad Mahmood Sheikh.
The inaugural ceremony was hosted by Syed Fujael Chishti, who recited the Holy Quran. Following this, Syed Kaleemuddin Chishti, Secretary of Anjuman-e-Khuddam-e-Khwaja, blessed the event with his prayers and well-wishes. Anil Chauhan from Hyderabad presented a soulful Naat-e-Rasool, creating a spiritual atmosphere for attendees who experienced the essence of Sufi poetry and Naat.
Mohammad Qasim, a project assistant from the National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language (NCPUL) in New Delhi, emphasized the importance of calligraphy and the Urdu language among the younger generation. He stated that it is crucial to convey the beauty of traditional art and Urdu script to the new generation in this digital age.
During the program, Haji Syed Salman Chishti expressed gratitude to the guests, scholars, and artists. Aftab Qadri from Indore then enriched the ambiance with Sufi poetry at the Mehfil-e-Sama.
Haji Syed Salman Chishti remarked, “Sufi color is not merely a presentation; it is a prayer expressed through colors, lines, letters, and melodies.” He noted that when thousands of seekers arrive at the courtyard of Khwaja Garib Nawaz, they come not just as spectators but as fellow travelers on the same path. He added that every stroke of the calligrapher’s pen and every note of the Sama conveys the timeless message of Ajmer Sharif—love for all and hatred for none.
The festival also showcases two rare Qurans, which are major attractions. One Quran is written with a natural mixture of Zamzam water, glue, and saffron, while the other is entirely hand-stitched.
Additionally, live calligraphy workshops and demonstrations of carpet art painting are being held. A significant number of devotees and tourists are flocking to Mehfil Khana to witness the artists’ creations.
The 18th International Sufi Color Festival will continue at the Ajmer Sharif Dargah until August 26, 2026. Daily activities include calligraphy sessions, artist exhibitions, viewings of rare manuscripts, and evening Mehfil-e-Sama. According to the organizers, the event is open to all, regardless of religion, nationality, or discrimination.
Through this festival, efforts are being made to spread the centuries-old Sufi tradition, art, culture, and the message of mutual love and harmony from Ajmer Sharif to the world.
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