Centuries-Old Dargah Celebrates Krishna Janmashtami with Hindu-Muslim Unity

In the town of Narhar in Rajasthan's Jhunjhunu district, the annual Krishna Janmashtami celebrations have taken on a unique interfaith twist. The Sharif Hazrat Hajib Shakarbar Dargah, a 14th-century shrine, has been a symbol of Hindu-Muslim brotherhood for centuries.

This year, the three-day Janmashtami festivities, which began on August 15th, 2025, saw a large turnout of devotees, especially newlywed couples, from across India. The celebrations at the dargah, also known as the Shakkar Baba ki Dargah, featured traditional dramas, bhajans, qawwalis, and other devotional programs dedicated to Lord Krishna.

A notable aspect of the celebrations is the active participation of both Hindu and Muslim communities. As Kareem Pir, a hereditary caretaker of the dargah, explains, "On Janmashtami, mostly Hindu devotees organize a procession and members of the Muslim community welcome them with garlands." This tradition of communal harmony has been maintained by the Khadim and Inzamiya Committee of the dargah for generations.

The dargah's chairman, Khaleel Budhana, emphasizes that "people of all religions have the right to worship here, according to their methods." In fact, a Hindu family started the Janmashtami fair many years ago, and the tradition has continued ever since. The dargah also holds a unique ritual where residents offer curd as "prasad" whenever a cow or buffalo gives birth, further strengthening the bond between the two communities.

As Shankar Singh, a local resident, says, "As a symbol of communal harmony, a huge fair has been held here on Janmashtami since time immemorial." The enduring legacy of this interfaith celebration continues to inspire devotees and visitors alike.