Muharram in Jeypore started in 1637 by the then king Vira Vikram. It is noteworthy that the old festival is still continuing with display of great communal camaraderie till now. The rulers of Kutub Shahi dynasty of Golkonda were its patron.
According to Haji Sayed Raja Madani, former member Orissa Board of Wakf, the Nawab of Golkonda had issued farman order to Sri Raja of Jeypore for organising the Muharram festival.
The Maharaja of Koraput (Nandapur) had constructed Ashurkahanas at Jeypore and many other places in the district of Koraput. The Ashurkhana literally means a place for lamentation.
According to Haji Sayed Hasan Madani Hony, the Muharram festival was organised with much gusto during the time of the Maharajas. Before the commencement of Muharram, all the Ashurkhanas used to be repaired and white-washed and kept neat and clean. As soon as the new moon of Muharram was seen, cannon used to be fired heralding its commencement.
The Novbat and Nagara drums of the palace were shifted from the top of the forte gate to the Devudi Ashurakhana premises to be trumpeted both morning and evening. After the sight of the new moon, the Maharaja along with his Devasthanam superintendent used to visit the premises of the main Devudi Ashurakhna in front of the premises gate where all the Alams (Heraldic standards of Imam Hussain) were secured in safe custody. After Fateha, the Devasthanam superintendent used to open the Alam box for distribution of Alams. A large number of Alams were made up of brass, silver, irons and sandalwood etc. There were also some valuable Karchubi (Zari) cloths on which were inscribed the holy names of twelve Imams and some tombs.
This year also Muharram was celebrated in Jeypore with traditional fervour and gaiety. People wearing black clothes, beating their chests, narrating events, reciting elegies and praising Hussain were seen in a rally. Girls were seen tying band on their heads carrying slogans against terrorism.