Hazrat Khadar Vali Baba dargah caretaker Khaleelulla Shareef serving food to the needy in Vizianagaram. | Photo credit: HANDOUT
Portrait of Hazrath Khadar Vali Baba | Photo credit: BY ARRANGEMENT
Dargah Hazrath Khadar Vali Baba is gearing up for the annual Urusu Mahotsavam to be held at Babametta, Vizianagaram on 29, 30 and 31 January 2026. The dargah Trust Board has started holding preparatory meetings as more than 35,000 devotees from all faiths will visit the dargah over the three days. The Dargah has been serving the people for many decades. Dargha’s trust’s biggest service activity is serving free meals daily to the needy, athletes from underprivileged backgrounds and patients along with their caregivers. People can knock on the door anytime for food as they have langer khana 24 hours a day.
According to the Trustee (Muthawalli) of the dargah Khaleelulla Shareef – popularly known as Khaleel Babu – the trust has never held donation drives for its services and activities. It receives constant and timely support from philanthropists. Many politicians, IAS officers, businessmen, long-time devotees visit the dargah and volunteer in its activities, especially during the annual Urusu Utsavam.
A native of Tamil Nadu, Hazrath Khadar Vali Baba was a devout follower of Sufism right from childhood. He was deeply inspired by Tajuddin Baba of Nagpur and in 1924 he started spiritual and service activities in the suburbs of Vizianagaram. His spiritual influence attracted many kings and British government officials to visit him. He used to bless devotees visiting his darbar. After his demise in 1961, his disciples built a dargah at an adjacent site. The darbar area of Khadar Vali Baba is currently used as a community kitchen and food is served to the needy.
Baba’s ardent follower Athavulla Shareef Shah Khadari played a key role in the development of the dargah till 2021. Mr. Athavulla’s son Khaleel Babu continues his father’s legacy and coordinates service activities with the support of devotees, volunteers and family members since 2021. Mr. Khaleel’s wife Babu Azizunnissa prepares food for the needy and his sons Ahmadulla and Khadar Fareed actively help the smooth running of the dargah and its charitable activities.
Mr. Khaleel Babu, who has received several awards, said, “Sufism strongly advocates humanity which ensures inner peace for everyone. Visitors to the dargah are inspired by the principles and ideals of Hazrath Khadar Vali Baba and have started their own charitable activities in their respective areas.”
Published – 10 Dec 2025 21:20 IST
