Muharram observed in Hyderabad

It was on 10th Muharram that Imam Hussain and his followers were martyred at Karbala in Iraq

The Shi’te Muslims took out the Muharram processions in remembrance of Imam Husain, the grandson of Prophet Mohammed and his followers who were martyred in the battle of Karbala. ‘Youm-e-Ashoora’ is observed remembering the sacrifice of Imam Husain. Hundreds attired in black took out a procession from Bibi Ka Alawa at Dabeerpura by beating their chests and flagellating themselves with sharp weapons.

Cries of ‘Ya Hussain’ rent the air as Shia mourners passed through Charminar, Gulzar houz, Etebar Chowk, Mir Alam Mandi and Purani Haveli. Women lined up on both sides of the road. Even small children took part in the procession.

The procession was taken out on a caparisoned elephant and and the Alams (flags) were carried by the mourners. Hundreds of small Alams taken out from different areas in the city joined the main procession. Youngsters offered juice to the passersby.

Politicians, police officials and members of the Nizam’s family offered ‘dhattis’ to Bibi Ka Alam. All along the procession, mourners recited elegies and poems expressing sorrow to show solidarity for the martyrs.

The Bibi Ka Alam contains a piece of wood on which Bibi Fatima, daughter of Prophet Mohammed was given final ablution. The Alam was installed 430 years ago. It contains six diamonds donated by Mir Osman Ali Khan, the last Nizam.

Shia Muslims from different parts of the city and neighbouring districts made it to the Old City. Hyderabad has two lakh Shias.