History of Fatehpuri Masjid
The mosque was built by Fatehpuri Begum- wife to the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1650. Later, it was used to station the Indian troops during the Sepoy Mutiny Movement of 1857. Post the war, the British sold the mosque to a local trader Rai Lala Chunnamal for INR 19000, who preserved and protected the mosque till 1877 when it was again acquired by the government in exchange for four villages. When the Muslims were allowed to reside in Old Delhi- the acquisition of the monument was handed over to them at the Delhi Durbar. As of now, Maulana Mukarram Ahmad has been serving as the chief imam and mufti for the last 42 years and he continues to do so. Before him, his father was the chief priest.
Architecture of Fatehpuri Masjid
Fatehpuri Masjid has been built on an elevated platform of three and a half feet. Capped by a gigantic dome, the mosque is guarded by two towering minarets. The chief prayer hall has seven arches, the central of which is the highest. Both the dome and the arches have been made out of lime mortar and are striped black and white. Made entirely in red sandstone, the mausoleum has three entrance gates- the biggest of which open across the road from Red Fort and the other two opens towards North and South ends. The monument also boasts of a central courtyard which houses more than twenty graves of prominent Islamic scholars; single and double-storeyed apartments flank the courtyard. A very large tank grace the courtyard, the water from which is used for ablution.
Festivals at Fatehpuri Masjid
1.Id-ul-Fitris the grandest festival of the Muslims celebrated with a whole lot of zeal and enthusiasm. Also known as the ?Festival of breaking the fast?, the festival is celebrated after a month of fasting when the new moon appears. Thousands of devotees gather at the mosque on the day of Id mostly wearing white kurta-pajamas; a grand prayer is held in the morning post which people hug each other and greetings are exchanged.2.Id-ul-Azhais the second most important festival celebrated at the mosque. The festival is also known as the ?Festival of Sacrifice?. A grand prayer meet is held at the mosque which ends with a special ?Dua? for the peace and prosperity of the believers. People exchange greetings and donate food.
How to Reach Fatehpuri Masjid
The nearest metro station to Fatehpuri Masjid is Chandni Chowk situated on the red line. After getting down, you will have to take a sharing auto or rickshaw to reach your destination. Alternatively, you can travel in one of the state-run buses which regularly ply on this route.
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