Glasswork returns to Hazrat Sarmad Shahid shrine near Jama Masjid

Bamboo scaffolding now stands around the two graves at the shrine of Hazrat Sarmad Shahid and Hazrat Hare Bhare Shah, in a small chamber at the foot of Jama Masjid in Old Delhi.

Artisan Sadiq has been cutting coloured glass and mirror pieces for the ceiling and upper walls. Blue, yellow and mirror elements have already been fitted; red rhombus-shaped pieces and green glass are also being prepared. The work began a week ago and is expected to continue for three more weeks.

The shrine’s two saints are marked by colour. Hazrat Sarmad’s grave is covered with a red chaadar, while Hazrat Hare Bhare Shah’s has a green one. Red and green cloth also wrap the neem tree between the graves, and the two donation boxes retain the same split.

Much of the earlier colour scheme on the walls, doors, jaalis and tiles was removed during renovations that began in the Covid years, leaving white marble surfaces and white grave enclosures. The old well remains, as does a family practice of drawing its water in mashaks to sprinkle outside the shrine.