Haji Ali Dargah: From Whitewashed Walls To Marble Marvel, Unveiling In 2028

The historic Haji Ali Dargah, a cherished shrine standing proudly in the Arabian Sea, is undergoing a grand transformation, with its full unveiling planned for 2028. Originally constructed in 1431, the dargah has been a symbol of faith, devotion, and architectural brilliance for centuries.

However, over time, the once-majestic white structure has suffered from the harsh coastal environment. For nearly two decades, the Haji Ali Trust has been dedicated to restoring and revitalising this iconic monument, ensuring that it continues to be a beacon of spiritual significance and historical importance.

Photo Credit: PTI

A Vision In Marble

The ambitious renovation project seeks to transform the Haji Ali Dargah into a marbled masterpiece, echoing the splendour of India's most famous marble structure, the Taj Mahal.

The restoration efforts have already seen the completion of the dargah's minara 'minaret' and masjid, while work on the central shrine, known as the dargah sharif 'mazaar', is ongoing. This meticulous project, which began in 2007, reflects the Trust's unwavering commitment to preserving the dargah's legacy for future generations.

"We embarked on this renovation journey in 2007 to safeguard the shrine's longevity," said Mohammed Ahmed Taher in Hindustan Times, Administrative Officer of the Haji Ali Dargah Trust. "Given the shrine's unique location in the middle of the sea, it is constantly exposed to salty waters and sea breezes, which cause materials to corrode rapidly. We chose marble for its durability, resistance to weathering, and timeless beauty."

The Challenges Of Preservation

The last significant renovation of the dargah took place between 1900 and 1964, during which reinforced cement concrete (RCC) and steel were used. Although these materials provided temporary protection, the shrine's coastal environment led to visible signs of corrosion and rust over time. In response, the current renovation project required a more enduring solution that could withstand the elements for generations to come.

The Trust sourced the finest quality marble from Makrana, Rajasthan, a quarry famed for its use in the construction of the Taj Mahal. This choice was not made lightly, as the marble needed to be pure white, without the veins commonly seen in other varieties. Additionally, the marble's size and tensile strength were rigorously tested to ensure that it could survive the long journey to Mumbai and remain intact.

Given the Haji Ali Dargah's status as a heritage structure and its location within a coastal regulation zone, the Trust faced numerous bureaucratic challenges before the renovation could commence. Securing government permissions was a lengthy process, with the first lot of marble only arriving in 2009 after all necessary approvals were obtained.

A Decades-Long Endeavour

The renovation project has spanned nearly two decades, reflecting the Trust's careful approach to preserving the dargah's historical and spiritual significance while modernising its structure. "We wanted to ensure that the renovation work did not disrupt the flow of devotees," explained Taher. To achieve this, the Trust adopted a phased approach, starting with the restoration of the 100-feet tall minara, which began in 2009 and was completed in 2013.

The minara's renovation involved more than just structural repairs. Skilled artisans from Makrana were brought in to carve intricate designs on the dome, 'jaali,' and arches. These craftsmen, who possess a deep understanding of traditional Islamic architecture, worked meticulously to ensure that the new marble elements seamlessly integrated with the dargah's existing design. The final touch was the painting of delicate floral motifs, which add a layer of elegance to the structure.

Following the successful completion of the minara, the Trust turned its attention to refurbishing the masjid, located on one side of the dargah. This phase required the creation of arched pillars that mirrored the design of the minara, complete with similar painted flowers and intricate carvings. Inside the dome, the artisans incorporated elements of Islamic Mughal architecture, creating a space that is both spiritually and aesthetically uplifting. The masjid's renovation took five years, from 2013 to 2018.

Central Mazar Renovation

After the COVID-19 pandemic, which temporarily halted progress, work on the central mazaar, which houses the shrine of Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, resumed in 2023. The marbling of the pillars surrounding the mazaar has been completed, and artisans are now focusing on shaping the arches. Once this is finished, an additional layer of marble will be applied to the roof and dome, ensuring the structure's durability and enhancing its visual appeal.

"The pandemic caused delays due to an unsteady flow of labour, but we've now resumed work at full pace," said Taher. The total cost of the project is estimated at ₹50 crore, with approximately ₹20-25 crore already spent on the renovation thus far.

Suhail Khandwani, Managing Trustee of the Haji Ali Dargah Trust, expressed his confidence in the project's progress in Hindustan Times. "Inshallah, the mazaar will be completed within the next year. Akshay Kumar, who recently visited the dargah, was particularly impressed with the renovation. The marble work is a rare sight these days, and it truly enhances the shrine's beauty," Khandwani said.

Pathway Renovation Delayed

While the renovation of the dargah itself progresses, the renovation of the pathway leading to the shrine has been delayed. Estimated to cost Rs 120 crore, this project was put on hold after the Trust's last meeting with the state government and the collector in 2017. The delay is attributed to the complexities involved in securing further government approvals and the challenge of coordinating such a large-scale project in a coastal regulation zone.

Once the central mazaar renovation is complete, the Trust plans to begin work on the 'qawaal khana,' a space dedicated to the traditional Sufi music that is an integral part of the dargah's cultural heritage. Additionally, the 5,000 square meter compound floor will be marbled, completing the shrine's transformation into a gleaming white symbol of devotion and architectural brilliance.

Preserving Haji Ali's Legacy

As the Haji Ali Dargah undergoes this extensive transformation, it remains a symbol of enduring faith and resilience. The completed marbled dargah will not only be a stunning architectural achievement but also a testament to the dedication of those who have worked tirelessly to preserve its legacy.

Once unveiled in 2028, this jewel in the Arabian Sea will continue to inspire and attract devotees and visitors from around the world, standing as a proud symbol of Mumbai's rich cultural and spiritual heritage.