Bihar's Maner Sharif Transforms: Urs and Sufi Mahotsav Highlights Culture, Heritage, and Unity

By Syed Amjad Hussain, New Age Islam 18 June 2025 Maner Sharif is experiencing a remarkable transformation, blending heritage, culture and community spirit, as its Sufi Mahotsav brings people together in peace, unity, understanding and shared reverence for its rich past. Main Points: 1. Maner Sharif is undergoing significant beautification, preserving its rich Sufi heritage while improving facilities for tourists and locals alike. 2. The Sufi Mahotsav celebrated classical poetry, Qawwali, Naat and spirituality, drawing large crowds from all walks of life to appreciate its soulful messages of peace and unity. 3. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s visit underscores Maner Sharif’s growing role as a symbol of communal harmony, reflecting the state’s composite culture. 4. The ongoing transformation aims to make Maner Sharif a major pilgrimage and tourist destination, strengthening its appeal and preserving its historical significance. 5. Future plans include adding information boards, a museum, a sitting area and additional lighting, ensuring a rich experience for both tourists and locals alike. ----- Introduction Maner Sharif, a celebrated Sufi Dargah situated nearly 30 km west of Patna in the Indian state of Bihar, is undergoing a dramatic transformation. The ancient Khanqah of Hazrat Imam Muhammad Taj Faqih Hashmi along with Dargahs of Hazrat Shaykh Israil Maneri, Hazrat Shaykh Shah Jalal and other's like Hazrat Makhdoom Kamaluddin Yahya Maneri and Murshid-e-Abdul Raheem Khan-e-Khaana, Hazrat Shah Daulat Maneri, a resting place dating back to the 12th-century, is not merely undergoing large-scale beautification but has also emerged as a cultural and political rallying point for the state. Architectural Renovation in Progress The Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation (BSTDC) is leading the development of Maner Sharif with a budget of ₹99.98 lakh. The major task involves the renovation of its two grand entrance gates, incorporating traditional Islamic designs, improving illumination, installing benches, establishing a tourist information centre, and enhancing related visitor amenities. According to officials in the department, nearly 70% of the work for developing the area is already complete. The objective, they claim, is not only to aid tourism but to foster a greater appreciation and respect for the rich Sufi history of the area. Sufi Mahotsav Celebrates Musical Heritage As the physical makeover goes on, the cultural significance of the dargah was revived during the Sufi Mahotsav 2025, a celebration of classical Sufi poetry, song, and spirit. The festival drew large crowds and a range of Sufi musicians, with Ameen Sabri & Brothers and the renowned Sabri Brothers Qawwali party being the main attractions. The soulful Qawwali renditions filled the courtyard, with messages of peace, harmony, and love — a sign of Sufism’s universal reach. Local and state government officials, alongside ordinary people, turned up in large numbers to appreciate the rich blend of spirituality and music. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar Visits Dargah Bihar’s Chief Minister Nitish Kumar also pays a significant visit to the Dargah during Urs Mubarak and Sufi Mahotsav. He prays for peace and prosperity in the state, honoring the Sufi tradition that forms its composite culture. The Chief Minister was presented with a traditional Chadar by the caretakers of the Dargah, symbolising peace, respect, and harmony. His visit is reflective of the growing role of Maner Sharif as a platform where various communities gather together in shared reverence. Maner’s Growing Popularity as a Cultural Destination Maner Sharif’s makeover is an indication of its growing significance as a key pilgrimage and tourist site in Bihar. The beautification underway, in addition to the Sufi Mahotsav, resonates with a policy direction towards conserving heritage while strengthening its role in education, tourism, and communal cohesion. The massive turnout for the event, in addition to extensive media coverage, highlights its appeal as a symbol of unity in a culturally rich state. Future Developments In future, the Dargah’s beautification is expected to be finalised soon, with more facilities for tourists and locals alike. The state tourism department also plans to launch information boards, a museum, a tourist sitting area, and additional lighting to enable after-dark visits safely. Furthermore, there are plans to make the Sufi Mahotsav an annual event, adding depth to its cultural calendar. Background Maner Sharif is an ancient pilgrimage site known for its Sufi tradition. The shrine stands as a symbol of the great syncretic traditions that promote peace, harmony, and understanding across generations. The annual Sufi Mahotsav, alongside the ongoing beautification, serves to shed light on its significance for future generations, adding a new page to its long and rich history. Maner Sharif stands today at the crossroads of renewal, tradition, and reconciliation, honouring its past while embracing its future. ---- Syed Amjad Hussain is an author and Independent research scholar on Sufism and Islam. He is the author of 'Bihar Aur Sufivad', a research book based on the history of Sufism in Bihar. URL: https://www.newageislam.com/islamic-culture/maner-sharif-urs-sufi-mahotsav-culture-heritage/d/135905 New Age Islam, Islam Online, Islamic Website, African Muslim News, Arab World News, South Asia News, Indian Muslim News, World Muslim News, Women in Islam, Islamic Feminism, Arab Women, Women In Arab, Islamophobia in America, Muslim Women in West, Islam Women and Feminism