Hyderabad observes Muharram with religious fervour

HYDERABAD: Hyderabad solemnly observed the day of Ashura, commemorating the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), with deep reverence and devotion.

The historic Bibi Ka Alam procession, a hallmark of Muharram in the Deccan region, commenced from Bibi Ka Alawa in Purani Haveli.

The procession, with the Alam, mounted on an elephant, passed through various parts of the old city, including Bara Bangla Bini, Kaman Sheikh Faiz, Etebar Chowk, Kotla Ali Jah, and Chowk Maidan Khan, before reaching the historic Charminar. At the Charminar, Chief Secretary Santhi Kumari, accompanied by City Police Commissioner K Srinivas Reddy, paid homage to the Bibi Ka Alam.

The procession continued its journey towards the symbolic Qadam-e-Rasool Panje Shah via Char Kaman and Gulzar Hauz, where a Majlis (religious gathering) was held. Various Shia organizations participated in the mourning rituals. Thousands of mourners joined the procession and engaged in Noha Khwani and Matam.

Arrangements for 'Sabeels' were made along the procession route, offering free food and drinks to the mourners. Several organizations set up medical camps to provide first aid and medical assistance to those in need. A mounted police contingent accompanied the Bibi Ka Alam throughout the procession.

Senior police officials were present to oversee the security and manage the procession's smooth flow. The procession passed through Etebar Chowk and Mandi Mir Alam, reaching Purani Haveli, where the Nizam Trust representatives paid their respects. From there, the Bibi Ka Alam proceeded towards Alawa Sartauq and Darul Shifa Traffic Police Station.

The Ninth Nizam of Hyderabad Nawab Mir Muhammad Azmet Ali Khan, Walashan Azmet Jah Bahadur, and family members of the Nizam of Hyderabad offered the traditional Dhatti and Nazrana to the Bibi Ka Alam at Peeli Gate, opposite Princess Durru Shehvar Hospital at Purani Haveli.

The procession continued, passing the Old Municipal Corporation office, culminating at the Aza Khana Zehra Darul Shifa. Finally, the procession concluded at Masjid-e-Ilahi Chaderghat, passing through Kali Qabar.