Muslims of all sects solemnly observed Moharram (Yom-e-Aashurah), the 10th day of first Islamic month marking the martyrdom of Prophet Mohammad’s grandson Imam Hussain on Saturday. like every year, a grand procession was taken out under the aegis of All India Muslim Tyohar Committee (AIMTC) that included Alams, Tazias and Sawaris.
Main attractions of the procession were the large Tazias (replica shrine of Imam Hussain) of Mangalwara and Budhwara. The Tazias and Alams were immersed in the lower lake instead of Karbala Ghat on the banks of Upper lake. Some of the Tazias were buried at the Shirin Nadi near upper lake. However, for completing religious rituals, Tazias were first taken to Karbala.
Small processions also started from Irani Imambara, P&T Colony, Qazi Camp, Imambara Fatehgarh Fire Brigade, Chola, Bhanpur, Gandhi Nagar and joined the main procession that passed through traditional path of the city and reach Karbala. Tazia, Savaria, and Akharas followed the procession.
On its way, devotees welcomed the Tazia, Savaria, Akharas with flowers. Over 700 Tazias including that of Kinnar Samaj and Prajapati Samaj participated in the procession.
The Tazias are being taken out in Bhopal from the era of Begums. At those times, both Hindu and Muslim rulers paid their respect and tributes to the martyrs of Karbala.
Apart from its religious importance, month of Moharram has its own significance for Bhopali culture. King of Islam Nagar Vijay Ram also used to prepare Tazia. Besides making Tazias and holding Majlis, several other acts of philanthropy are undertaken. They include offering water and Sharbat, feeding poor and have-nots and distributing alms.
Elaborate security arrangements were made at different places as a precautionary measure and the event passed off peacefully with no report of any untoward incident.
Besides mourning the martyrdom of Prophet Mohammad’s grandson Imam Hussain, Muslims also observe fast on the occasion and as per Islamic belief, this fast has significance as that of the Ramzan fasts. The month of Muharram also marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year.