The Shia Muslims observed Muharram in Dehradun on Wednesday through mourning, taking out Tazias, marking the martyrdom of Prophet Muhammed’s grandsons in the desert of Karbala.
Thousands of Shias thronged the streets since the morning, carrying Tazias. The administration made elaborate security arrangements with the deployment of adequate forces to maintain peace during the Tazia procession which started from EC Road and ended near the Inamullah Building after passing through Survey Chowk, Tibetan Market, Darshan lal Chowk and Tehsil.
Muharram, observed on the 10th day of the first month of Islamic calendar, spawned traffic jams in the city roads as the routes through which the Tazia processions passed were closed for vehicles from 2 pm.
Police officers said that they were extra cautious to maintain peace during the processions in view of the tension prevailing in the country following the attack on Uri Army camp by terrorists followed by retaliatory surgical strike. “We are relieved as the day passed off peacefully,” a senior police officer said.
Shamim, a participant of Tazia procession, said that it was a day of mourning and penance for them. “The gory history of the death of Hazrat Imam Husain, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammed, and his 72 followers in the battle of Karbala still evokes tears. We mourn and do penance by way of asking for forgiveness from Allah for the monumental crime perpetrated years ago,” he said.
Rahman, another participant, said, “Muharram, the first month in the Islamic calendar, commences on Wednesday, thus marking the New Year for Muslims. But this month is devoid of festivities. Derived from the word ‘haram’ meaning sinful, Muharram denotes shunning fights or disputes of any kind during the auspicious month.”
Rahim who resides in Inamullah Building said, “We refrain from organising any kind of social function like wedding and birthday in this month by way of observing the solemnity that the occasion demands.”