800th Ajmer Urs informally begins

As per decades old tradition, the flag was taken inside the dargarh by members of Bhilwara's Gauri family, an official said.

The ceremony was conducted in the presence of a large number of devotees inside the holy shrine, he said, adding that the formal commencement will depend on the sighting of the moon on May 21-22.

Elaborate security arrangements have been made by the district administration in view of the large number of pilgrims expected to take part in the Urs, he said.