Latest news with #MohammadAliShah
New Indian Express
05-07-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
Royal kitchen upholds 186-yr-old tradition of Tabarruk in Lucknow
LUCKNOW: The Chhota Imambara in City of Nawabs is buzzing with hectic activity for the last nine days during the ongoing sacred month of Muharram as the royal kitchen (Bawarchikhana) comes alive with traditional preparation of 20,000 servings of royal offering (tabarruk- blessed food) daily till the day of Muharram which falls on Sunday. Operated by the Hussainabad Trust, the Chhota Imambara Bawarchikhana prepares these offerings which are sent to various imambaras, mausoleums, and karbalas across the City of Nawabs to be distributed among those attending the majlis. Muharram, the first and one of the most sacred months of the Islamic calendar, marks the beginning of the Hijri New Year. As per tradition, the exact date of Muharram is determined based on the sighting of the moon. Moreover, tabarruk is also delivered to 325 Nawabi-e-Awadh (royal) families, while upholding a tradition of 186 years. Interestingly, the offerings are cooked in desi ghee over a wood fire and served in earthen vessels. A budget of Rs 47 lakh has been allocated for the entire arrangement. According to Nawab Masood Abdullah, a descendant of Nawab-e-Awadh Tajdar Mohammad Ali Shah, his ancestors started this royal kitchen in 1839. Their tradition has been continuing for 186 years. As per the menu of tabarruk, for five days, fried potato curry (gravy dish), bakharkhani (sweet red bread) and khamiri roti are distributed among the devotees attending majlis to mourn the martyrdom of Imam Hussain. For the remaining four days, chana dal, khamiri roti and bakharkhani are distributed. The menu of the traditional Tabarruk happens to be completely vegetarian.
Time of India
27-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
188-yr-old ‘Shahi Zari Ka Juloos' marks start of Muharram, martyrs remembered
Lucknow: The 'Shahi Zari Ka Juloos' marking the start of Muharram was taken out from the Bada Imambara to Chhota Imambara on Friday. "The tradition was started by Nawab Mohammad Ali Shah in 1837 to commemorate the martyrdom of Prophet Muhammad's grandson Imam Hussain and his 72 companions in the battle of Karbala," said Maulana Saif Abbas. "As part of the procession, the 'Mom Ki Zari', which is the wax replica of the original mausoleum of Imam Husain in present day Karbala, Iraq was taken out," he added. It also marks the beginning of Azadari (mourning) in Shia Muslims. Azadars were dressed in black, walking barefoot and carrying black flags led by seven elephants and16 camels. The animals accompanied the 20 foot tall 'Shahi Mom Ki Zari' and 15ft tall 'Abrak Ki Zarih' (tazias). The procession was also escorted by 'Noha Khawani' (reciting of noha) and 'seenazani' (beating the chest), silver lion, sun and moon and Janabe Ali asghar Ka jhoola were also the part of procession. Bada Imambara, Chhota Imambara and Rumi Gate were decorated. People had set up sabeel (stalls) to provide water and tea to azadars. Women along with their small children and elderly also kept waiting for the procession before the arrival of the juloos on both the sides of the road of the procession route. The procession also included 'Duldul' (horse of Imam Hussain). Children were seen distributing Tabarrukh. Stalls of tea, sharbat and chilled water were served by the people.
