Mumbai Police Special Bond with Mahim Dargah

As the bustling streets of Mumbai come alive with the rhythmic beats of drums and the scent of incense, a centuries-old tradition unfolds once more. The 10 long Urs at the Mahim Dargah which commenced on December 5, with Mumbai Police leading the ceremonial ‘Sandal’ procession, carrying a vibrant green chadar to honor Hazrat Makhdoom Ali Mahimi. This year's event, a gazetted occasion since 1901, saw uniformed officers marching alongside the police band, symbolizing a unique blend of duty and devotion that has persisted through empires and eras. This year marks the 612th Urs of Makhdoom Ali Mahimi.

Mahim, once known as Mahikavati, served as the capital established by Bhima, the second son of Seuna Yadava king Ramachandra. References in ancient texts like the 'Mahikavatichi Bakhar' paint a picture of a thriving medieval settlement on Mumbai's islands. By the 14th century, the area fell under Muslim rulers from Gujarat, introducing figures like Makhdoom Ali Mahimi, a revered Sufi saint and Islamic scholar born of Arab descent. His ancestors fled persecution in the 9th century, and Mahimi himself became the faqih, or law officer, for Mahim's Muslim community. Passing away in 1431, his shrine evolved into a pilgrimage site for sailors, traders, and locals alike, anchoring the coastal region's spiritual life.

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Mumbai Police’s Involvement

The Mumbai Police's involvement predates the modern force, originating with the Bhandari Militia formed by the East India Company in the 17th century. Bhandari Militia was an indigenous group drawn largely from the Bhandari community of coastal Maharashtra. They served as the earliest police, security guards and night watchmen of the region, and their affinity with the shrine appears to have been carried forward into the British era.

Local lore suggests that several early chowkis were located close to places where the saint once lived or preached to his followers. There are also legends that, at times, these early lawkeepers felt they were being aided by some unseen force when cracking down on criminals in the area.

The first written references to the police’s involvement with the Dargah come from S. M. Edwardes, Bombay Police Commissioner from 1909 to 1916. In his records, he documents both the Urs and the active participation of the police. Edwardes notes: “The three chief processions are that of the Bombay Police which takes place about noon on the first day of the fair; that of the Nawab of Janjira, about 3 pm on the same day; and lastly the shrine-procession which takes place about 12 o’clock on the same night.”

Even today, the Mahim police station's ante-chamber houses a green cupboard with silver ornaments carried to the dargah during Urs. Weekly Thursday ceremonies and the annual procession, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, keep this legacy alive.

In 2025, the event draws even larger crowds, with the police contributing Rs 25 per officer to fund the offerings, managed by a dedicated trust. Photos from the procession show senior officials solemnly carrying the chadar, while the band plays tunes that echo through the streets. Dr. Mudassar Lambe, a dargah trustee, notes that officers still visit for guidance on difficult investigations, blending faith with forensics in a city known for its diversity.

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Nawab of Janjira's Procession

This year's Urs also features the Nawab of Janjira's procession and a midnight shrine event, as documented in historical records. Amid Mumbai's rapid modernization, such rituals remind us of the city's layered history, from Yadava kings to Sufi saints and colonial militias, fostering harmony in a metropolis of millions.

As the 10-day fair continues, with stalls, prayers, and communal feasts, the Mahim Dargah stands as a testament to enduring traditions. In a world of change, this police-saint alliance offers a heartwarming story of unity, where badges and blessings go hand in hand.