Moharram is the first month of the Islamic calendar, known for mourning Hazrath Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Mohammed, who was martyred in Karbala, Iraq. The 10th of Moharram, called Youm-e-Ashura, marks the day of his martyrdom.
On Wednesday, the traditional ‘Bibi-ka-Alam’ procession is held, where Shia Muslims self-flagellate with chains and swords in remembrance of Imam Hussain and his companions. The procession covers a distance of nine kilometers from Bibi-ka-Alawa in Dabeerpura to Masjid-e-Ilahi in Chaderghat, attracting thousands of Shia mourners.
The route is lined with people offering dhatti to the Bibi-ka-Alam, and various departments like GHMC, R&B, and police ensure the smooth conduct of the procession. Hyderabad Deccan is a prominent center for Moharram mourning, with ‘Bibi-ka-Alam’ being a significant symbol of the tradition.
Apart from Bibi-ka-Alam, there are several other Ashoorkhanas where alams are installed, attracting thousands of mourners. The mourning period lasts for two months and eight days or 40 days, depending on beliefs within the Shia community.
During this period, elegiac poems, Hadis readings, and lamentations are performed to commemorate Imam Hussain’s martyrdom. Women at home also participate in mourning by wearing black and engaging in prayers.
The Shia community in Hyderabad has expressed concerns about the diminishing government support for Moharram traditions. They feel that funds allocated for Ashoorkhanas’ repairs and basic amenities are inadequate considering the large number of Ashoorkhanas in the state. Members of the community have urged the government to increase funds to ensure hassle-free arrangements during Moharram.
