Introduction

It is a popular mosque dedicated to revered Sufi saint, Masthan Saheb Syed Dawood Buhari, who came to Karaikal from Buhara about two centuries ago. The dargah was built to commemorate his miracles after his death in 1829 at the age of 120. The annual celebrations here are marked by a more than 170-year-old Kandhuri festival in November in memory of the various miracles attributed to him. This begins with the hoisting of a huge flag on a pole reminiscent of a ship mast and a sea-faring tradition. The revelry winds up 10 days hence with a spectacle of floats lit with electric colors. Brilliantly done up with electric bulbs and drapes, the dargah takes a completely different look at this time of the year. Add to it the soulful renditions of the Sufi singers that enliven the atmosphere.  
 
Legend has it that Masthan Saheb lived at this site where the dargah now stands and performed a number of miracles to help people cure their maladies. Today the shrine attracts thousands of Muslim pilgrims from across the country and outside, that come here to pay tribute to this great ‘Fakir’ and seek his blessings. Appreciate its typical Islamic architecture that has a dash of Tamil style merged with it, and spend some time meditating in peace.
 
Masthan Saheb Dargah has an authentic atmosphere - its walls still a silent reminder of the times gone by. 

Special Attributes

During the Kandhuri festival in November for 10 days, the dargah is brillaintly lit and beautifully decked up, with Sufi singers crooning in the background. 

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Dress appropriately, wear fully covered clothes as it is a religious site. 

Connectivity

You can hire a private taxi or take an auto-rickshaw from Pondicherry city centre to Karaikal.

Enjoyed by

Families, Backpackers

Exposure

You will be indoors. If you are visiting in the morning, the sun will be mild and you can enjoy a stroll in the local area. But in noon the sun can be harsh, especially in summer months. You can do better with a sunshade, sunscreen lotion and a bottle of drinking water. 

Avoidable Season

Open through the year

Facilities

You can visit the Karaikal Beach on the same day.

Things Not Allowed

Put your shoes outside

Tip

You will have to take off your sneakers and sunglasses before stepping inside the dargah. 

Type of site