BY MOHAMMAD TARIQUE SALEEM
The traditional Parcham Kushai (flag-hoisting) ceremony was organised at Dargah Dada Miyan, Khanqah Shahe Raza, Mall Avenue, Lucknow, marking the commencement of preparations for the 119th Urs Mubarak of Hazrat Khwaja Mohammad Nabi Raza Shah, popularly known as Dada Miyan. The Urs is scheduled to be observed from 21 to 25 Rabi-ul-Awwal, corresponding to September 4 to 8, 2026, with the central theme of national unity and communal harmony.
Parcham Kushai is an old tradition associated with Islamic religious and spiritual gatherings. In earlier times, when modern means of communication were unavailable, flags served as an important means of informing people about forthcoming events and assemblies. Although technological advancements have transformed communication, the tradition has continued to survive as an important cultural and spiritual practice.
In India, the tradition of Parcham Kushai is particularly associated with the great Sufi saint, Sultan-ul-Hind Hazrat Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti. Even today, the flag-hoisting ceremony preceding the Urs of Garib Nawaz is observed as a symbolic announcement of the approaching annual commemoration. Similarly, at Dargah Dada Miyan in Lucknow, the ceremony is traditionally held on the first day of Rabi-ul-Awwal, the month associated with the birth of the revered spiritual figure.
As part of this year’s ceremony, Sufi Noor Mohammad Fasahati of Kanpur arrived with his disciples carrying the ceremonial flag. The flag was formally hoisted by Hazrat Khwaja Mohammad Sabahat Hasan Shah, Sajjada Nashin and Mutawalli of Dargah Dada Miyan. Prior to the Parcham Kushai, a Mahfil-e-Sama was organised, during which Qawwals presented devotional and Sufi compositions. The gathering created an atmosphere of spirituality and devotion among the attendees.
Before the ceremony, Qari Anwar, Imam of Masjid Shahe Raza, explained the historical and spiritual significance of Parcham Kushai. Addressing the gathering, Sajjada Nashin Hazrat Mohammad Sabahat Hasan Shah expressed his happiness and extended greetings on the auspicious month of Rabi-ul-Awwal. He also appealed to the administration, government authorities and members of the media to extend their full cooperation in the forthcoming Urs programmes.
He emphasised that collective support would help ensure the successful and orderly organisation of the Urs, which has long been regarded as a symbol of national unity, spiritual harmony and communal amity. With the flag-hoisting ceremony, the preparations for the 119th Urs Mubarak have officially commenced, setting the stage for several days of religious, spiritual and cultural programmes at the historic shrine.
