|
|
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.
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.