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Nizamuddin Dargah Limits Basant Announcements Over Fake Ticketing as Heritage Walks Defend Fees

Shrine custodians move to preserve the festival’s free, devotional character.

Overview

  • The Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya Dargah committee said it would not post this year’s Sufi Vasant programme timings on official social media to discourage monetisation.
  • Officials said they flagged fake Instagram accounts that were charging devotees for entry, stressing the celebrations are open to the public at no cost.
  • Committee members criticised paid heritage walks for commercialising the ritual, while tour operators argued fees cover curation and crowd facilitation.
  • TalesofCity said charges are for guided walks rather than Dargah entry, and DelhiByFoot said it donates a portion of collections to the shrine.
  • Basant observances continued at multiple shrines, including a Hyderabad dargah near Charminar where minister Mohammed Azharuddin attended music-led festivities.