Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay officially sanctioned the supply of 45 kg of Jajpokal II Class sandalwood for the Nagore Dargah’s upcoming Kanduri festival. On Thursday, October 22, 2026, the Chief Minister handed over a Government Order (GO) to the managing trustee of the Nagore Dargah, H. Haja Najeemudeen Sahib, confirming the free-of-cost allocation for the festival, which is set to be celebrated on November 10.
The handover ceremony was attended by several state officials, including Minister for Minorities Welfare A.M. Shahjahan, Minister for Labour Welfare and Skill Development J. Mohamed Farvas, Minister for Forests R.V. Ranjith Kumar, and the Tamil Nadu Waqf Board Chairman and Ramanathapuram MP, K. Nawas Kani. The allocation serves to facilitate the sacred rituals associated with the 14-day event, specifically the anointing of the saint's tomb with sandalwood paste.
The Nagore Dargah, situated in the coastal town of Nagore within the Nagapattinam District, is a prominent Sufi shrine constructed over the tomb of Saint Syed Shahul Hameed Raliyallahu Thaa'la Anhu. Historical records and local traditions suggest the shrine was built by the saint’s devotees, with significant contributions from Hindu patrons. The site is widely recognized for its five minarets, the tallest of which was commissioned by the Hindu Maratha ruler Pratap Singh, who reigned between 1739 and 1763. This architectural feature remains a symbol of the enduring cultural and religious synthesis at the shrine.
The Kanduri festival, also known as the Nagore Dargah Festival, spans 14 days during the Islamic month of Jamathul Aagir. The festival commemorates the death anniversary of Saint Hazrath Syed Shahul Hameed, who is remembered for his influence in the 16th century, including his role in treating the health issues of the Hindu king Achuthappa Nayak of Thanjavur. This historical connection is often cited as a reason for the deep-rooted participation of Hindu devotees in the shrine's annual festivities.
Religious practices during the festival reflect this blend of traditions. During the event, offerings are often accompanied by the playing of the nadaswaram, a musical instrument traditionally associated with Hindu temple worship. Pilgrims also frequently visit the site’s sacred pool, known as the Shifa Gunta, to take a holy dip. Throughout the 14-day period, verses from the Quran are recited to bestow blessings upon the soul of the saint.
The festival calendar is marked by several key rituals, beginning with the hoisting of a sacred flag that is carried to the dargah by chariots. From the second to the seventh day, prayers and Quranic readings are held. The eighth day is notable for a fireworks display, intended to represent the triumph of truth over falsehood. On the ninth day, participants often begin a three-day holy fast, which concludes on the 11th day of the festival.
The highlight for many pilgrims is the 10th day, when a chariot-style parade transports the sandalwood paste to the premises. This auspicious paste is then used to anoint the Rawla Shariff and the tomb of the saint. By supporting these traditional observances, the government’s contribution aims to preserve the cultural heritage of the site, which continues to serve as a major center for pilgrimage and spiritual reflection for both Muslims and Hindus in the region.
Comments