Haji Ali (Priyanka Chopra)

The Dargah of Haji Ali is one of the most popular religious places in Mumbai. It is the tomb of Sayyeed Peer Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, a rich merchant who renounced all worldly pleasures to become a saint. There are many stories surrounding the death of Haji Ali and consequently, the location of the Dargah. Some are of the opinion that Haji Ali drowned at this spot therefore, his tomb is situated there. However, some are of the opinion that his followers were taking his body to Mecca and the casket floated to this location.

Situated on an islet, Haji Ali Dargah has been the most revered. As perfectly put in Shaukat Ali’s words, in the song Piya Haji Ali, from the movie Fiza,

Khuda Apne Valiyon Se Hota Hai Raazi
Milegi Ye Dar Se Hamein Sarfaraazi
Yahaan Dil Se Maango Ye Haaji Ali Hain
Khuda Ke Vali Hain…

There are hundreds and thousands of people who visit Haji Ali Dargah every day, irrespective of their religion, caste or creed. As mentioned in another few lines by Shaukat Ali,

Yahaan Hindu Muslim Sikh Isaai Faiz Paate Hain
Ye Samandar Roz Dar Pe Deta Hai Pehra…

For some it is a place of serenity and peace, for some, a place where all their wishes come true. For whatever reason people come to Haji Ali, they remain mesmerised and attached to the place forever. Haji Ali stands tall within the sea encompassing all its energy and calmness at the same time.

The Haji Ali walkway, nearly 460 meters is magnificent by itself. Looking from far away would give a glimpse of the Haji Ali walkway to be scary. But once you are in, the cool sea breeze and the slight splashes of water will greet you.  The walkway is available and accessible only during low tides, most of the times during high tides or very heavy rains; any railing or sidebars do not protect this causeway.

Throughout the walkway, we see an array of Galif sellers and other small souvenir sellers. We meet several beggars on our way, who simply deal with dollars indeed! It is amusing to note that they actually follow people, asking for money in dollars.

The Haji Ali structure is nearly 500 years old. However, maintaining it has proved to be an uphill task. According to Mohammed Ahmed, senior Manager of the Haji Ali Trust, “It is very difficult to handle and manage this monumental structure. There have been conservation architects and others who are hired every half year for the maintenance of the place.” There have been ongoing talks to redevelop the Dargah into a completely white marble structure. Ahmed also mentions that the Dargah has nearly 30,000 to 40,000 pilgrims on Thursdays and Fridays, which also adds to the continued depreciation of the walkway. In addition, the salinity in the winds erodes the structure very easily.

“Every pilgrim or any person who comes to the Dargah comes with some belief”, said Ziauddin Ali, a small vendor at the Haji Ali Railing. He also added, “Yahan saare dharma, jaat aake mil jaate hain”, which means that all the religions and castes come and conjoint here at this point.

Zeeba Mortezai, 21, Hairstylist, a pilgrim at Haji Ali, says, “This place brings peace to me. Whenever my mind is chaotic I just come here. And the sea, with the effect of the Dargah calms me down.”

Hussain Cyclewalla, 21, Media professional, who visits Haji Ali often, feel the same, he adds, “Whenever I am in dire need of God, I go to Haji Ali, I have seen my wishes come true, whenever I have been there.”

Haji Ali, is not just a place for Islam followers, even Hindus feel connected with the place.  Shikha Harwani, 31, Teacher says, “I visit Haji Ali every Friday even though I am Hindu. Even my family has been inclined towards the place and been visiting since many years. For my family it is an integral part of life,”

Harwani also adds, “It does not really matter which religion you come from, it is just the firm belief in God and the spiritual being that binds people together.”

At the end, it is only the faith and the belief that matters, and Haji Ali stands out to be the perfect example for it.

Koi Bhi Maayoos Is Dar Se Nahin Lauta
Koi Nahin Lauta
Kiske Dil Mein Kya Chhupa Hai Sab Tumhein Maaloom Hai
Aapke Faiz-o-karam Bhi Arsh Par Bhi Dhoom Hai
Haaji Ali…