About Haji Ali Dargah
The walk is half of the visit: a narrow causeway almost a kilometer long, with no railings, leaves the Mahalaxmi area and crosses the sea to the islet. At high tide it is submerged, so the tide table sets the schedule. At the end of the path is the tomb of Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, a Sufi saint of the Chishti order and a former merchant from Bukhara, in present-day Uzbekistan.
The dargah, from 1431, is an example of Indo-Islamic architecture, with marble columns decorated with mirrors and the 99 names of Allah in Arabic patterns. There are separate prayer rooms for men and women. To go in, take off your shoes, dress modestly and bring a scarf: women are generally expected to cover their heads.
