Hyderabad marked ‘Youm-e-Ashura’, the 10th day of Moharram, by remembering Imam Hussain, Prophet Mohammed’s grandson, who was martyred at the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD. Thousands of Shia Muslims attended the ‘Bibi-ka-Alam’ procession in the Old City on Sunday, under tight security.
Hyderabad is known for its deep-rooted traditions of Moharram mourning. The ‘Bibi-ka-Alam’ is a significant event that draws many to the city, with numerous Ashoorkhanas displaying replicas, or alams, where thousands gather.
The procession had a somber atmosphere with participants in black, mourning their way through the Old City. The Bibi-ka-Alam moved from Bibi-ka-Alawa in Dabeerpura to Masjid-e-Ilahi in Chaderghat on an elephant named Lakshmi, brought from Karnataka.
As the procession advanced, cries of ‘Ya Hussain’ filled the air. Participants recited Marsiyas and Nuoha-khwani while some engaged in self-flagellation. People distributed water and juices made from milk and jaggery at various points in the Old City, home to India’s second-largest Shia population after Lucknow.
The Bibi-ka-Alawa houses an Alam believed to contain a piece of wood linked to Bibi Fatima Zehra, Prophet Mohammed’s daughter. This Alam was carried on a decorated elephant.
The ‘Alam’ arrived in Hyderabad during the Qutub Shahi dynasty from Karbala. It features calligraphy with Arabic inscriptions of Allah, Prophet Mohammed, and Hazrath Imam Ali. Later, metals and gold adorned it, and six earring-shaped green pouches with gems were attached. Police closely guarded it.
Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy highlighted Moharram’s values of sacrifice and tolerance. He emphasized its role in fostering unity and harmony among diverse communities.
Starting from Bibi-ka-Alawa in Dabeerpura, the procession paused at Khadam-e-Rasool Ashoorkhana, showcasing Prophet Mohammed’s footprints. It then stopped at Peeli Gate in Purani Haveli, where a Nizam family member offered ‘Dhatti’ to the Alam, ending in Chaderghat. Nizam IX, Nawab Mir Mohammed Azmet Ali Khan, made traditional offerings.
Hyderabad City Police Commissioner CV Anand and other officers joined the procession, offering Datti near Charminar. Over 3,000 police officers and the RAF ensured the security of the gems on the elephant and Alam. Medical teams were also on standby during the event.
