Dewa Sharif

Lucknow Uttar Pradesh

#46 Among Things To Do in Lucknow

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Tags : Tombs & Mausoleums

Timings : 24 hrs

Time Required : 1 - 2 hrs

Entry Fee : No Entry Fee

Best Time to Visit : On a full-moon day

Parking : Available

Dewa Shareef, Lucknow Overview

Dewa Sharif, in the Barabanki district of Uttar Pradesh, is a small town renowned worldwide for the shrine of Haji Waris Ali Shah. Considered a prominent site of Muslim heritage, the shrine also has a mosque and a khankah within its premises, and is regularly visited by pilgrims.

One unique fact about the Dewa Shareef shrine is that it celebrates the Hindu festival of Holi with great pomp and show. People colour themselves with gulaal and the event is a huge affair every year. The tomb of the Sufi saint is enshrined within a splendid monument boasting of fine architecture and beautiful interiors. The shrine remains especially crowded during the annual festival of Urs which is a 10 day festival during the months of October- November.

History of the Sufi Saint

Born in the 19th century, Haji Waris Ali Shah belonged to the family of Hussaini Syeds. His father was also a Sufi saint but Waris Ali Shah himself was the founder of the Warsi order of Sufism. He undertook the pilgrimage to Mecca several times in his life and welcomed followers of all faiths and religions into his commune. He preached for peace, divinity, compassion, universal brotherhood and well-being. He also had followers and believers in countries like Turkey, Berlin and England etc. After his death, a tomb was set up here in his honour which is now visited by devotees from all over the world.

Urs at Dewa Sharif

The Urs festival at Dewa Sharif is a huge annual affair when the celebrations are carried out for a period of 10 days, to commemorate the saint. The event takes place during the months of October- November and during the festival the shrine is decorated in tinsel and fairy lights. A grand procession is carried out and the programme includes an all India Mushaira, Kavi Sammelan, music performances etc. In addition to this, local shops are set up which sells handicrafts and souvenirs for tourists. There is also an elaborate display of fireworks.

Holi at Dewa Sharif

You must have heard of the Holi celebrations in Pushkar and Kashi; however, what you might not know is that Holi is a grand affair even at Dewa Sharif. The muslim shrine is famous for its colourful Holi where people of all faiths and religions come together to be a part of the huge annual affair. The white walls and the immaculate floors of the shrine are covered in yellow, pink and blue hues of gulaal.

The history goes back to state that Haji Waris Ali Shah believed in brotherhood and he advocated that every religion is equally important. He encouraged people to follow their individual beliefs and religions in all zeal and devotion. He promoted the feeling of love, unity and devotion and started the tradition of Holi that is carried on even today.

How to Reach Dewa Sharif

While the nearest airport to the shrine is in Lucknow, there are regular buses plying from Lucknow, Barabanki, Kursi and nearby towns that can take you to your destination.