Maharashtra marks Ashura with solemn reverence amidst monsoon challenges

United News of India

2 days ago

Mumbai, July 6 (UNI) Maharashtra observed Ashura with solemnity and religious devotion today, as Muslim communities across major cities commemorated the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD.
The sacred day, marking the 10th day of Muharram, witnessed extensive religious gatherings and traditional processions despite monsoon weather challenges in several districts.
Mumbai emerged as the epicentre of observances, with the historic Dongri area maintaining its traditional significance as the primary hub for Shia Muslim commemorations. The Iranian mosque in Dongri drew thousands of devotees who had spent the preceding days preparing religious replicas of Imam Hussain's tomb, known as Tazias, which were displayed throughout the sacred month.
These intricately crafted miniature structures, made from bamboo and adorned with colorful paper and fabric, served as focal points for prayers and religious ceremonies.
Traditional processions moved through established routes in South Mumbai, with religious gatherings held at various mosques and community centres throughout the day. The community engaged in mourning rituals including the recitation of 'nauhas', elegies remembering the Battle of Karbala, while
'Sabeels' (water distribution points) were established across the city to serve participants and passersby.
The observances extended beyond Dongri to include significant congregations in Bandra, Mira Road, Mumbra, and Versova, reflecting the growing dispersion of the community across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
In Nagpur, the day witnessed coordinated observances across different Muslim communities with distinct ritual practices. The Shia community began their observances on Saturday night (Shab-e-Ashura) with religious gatherings, continuing through Sunday with Namaaz-e-Ashoor, Ziyarat-e-Ashoor, and Salam prayers. The main procession commenced from Haidry Masjid, passing through Mominpura, Hansapuri, Rajwada, and Shukrwari Talao before reaching Karbala at Imambada. A notable ritual featuring 'talwar-zanjeer matam' (sword and chain ceremony) was conducted at Mominpura, demonstrating the community's commitment to traditional observances.
The nearby town of Kamptee, located 20 kilometres from Nagpur, witnessed thousands of Shia Muslims participating in traditional 'mataam' (self-flagellation) and processions, including 'taziya' ceremonies proceeding from Bada Hussainabad to Kanhan River.
Meanwhile, the Dawoodi Bohra community observed Ashura according to their unique calendar, with spiritual sermons by His Holiness Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin delivered in Chennai and relayed live across 24 cities and towns.
Nashik continued its centuries-old tradition of communal harmony during Muharram observances, maintaining the renowned Haloka Tazia tradition that has exemplified Hindu-Muslim unity for over 400 years. This unique tradition sees Hindu devotees participate alongside Muslim community members in building and carrying the 'tazia', with Hindu followers traditionally lifting the sacred structure on the first day of Muharram and shouldering it during processions on the seventh and tenth days.
In Karad of Satara district, devotees demonstrated remarkable dedication by carrying 'tazias' through the streets amidst monsoon rains, with authorities ensuring appropriate safety measures were in place despite the challenging weather conditions. The processions maintained their traditional routes while local administrations coordinated with peace committees to ensure smooth conduct of religious activities.
Comprehensive security arrangements were implemented across Maharashtra to ensure peaceful observances. In Mumbai, traffic diversions were established around traditional procession routes, with police maintaining visible presence in sensitive areas. Local administrations coordinated extensively with peace committees and community organisers to facilitate the smooth conduct of all religious activities, with thousands of security personnel deployed throughout the state.
The observances reflected the deep religious significance of Ashura for both Shia and Sunni Muslim communities. Shia Muslims observed the day through mourning processions, 'majlis' (religious gatherings), and 'matam' to commemorate Imam Hussain's sacrifice, while Sunni Muslims marked the occasion through fasting, prayers and acts of charity.
The commemorations demonstrated Maharashtra's enduring tradition of religious harmony, with various communities participating in or supporting the observances.
Throughout the state, intricately crafted 'tazias' served as central elements of the observances. These miniature replicas of Imam Hussain's tomb, made from bamboo and adorned with colourful paper and fabric, were often illuminated with colorful lights and carried in processions that culminated with ceremonial burial or immersion at the conclusion of Ashura.
The day also witnessed extensive community service through 'Sabeels' (water and sherbet distribution points) set up along procession routes, medical facilities with first aid arrangements at major gathering points, and community kitchens serving participants and visitors. These welfare initiatives reflected the spirit of service and community support that characterises the observance.
The Muharram observances across Maharashtra concluded peacefully with evening prayers and community gatherings, marking the end of the 10-day mourning period that began with the start of Muharram on June 27.
The events reinforced the state's tradition of religious tolerance and communal harmony while allowing communities to observe their sacred rituals with dignity and devotion, demonstrating the enduring strength of Maharashtra's multicultural fabric despite the challenges posed by monsoon weather conditions.
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