Latest news with #Moharram
NDTV
3 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
Turning Fear Into Faith: Truth Behind Bhopal's 'Hindu Exodus' Claim
Bhopal: On the morning of July 24, the narrow, crowded alleys of Bhopal's Banganga area suddenly turned into a theatre of chants and colour. Saffron flags fluttered, loudspeakers echoed with cries of "Jai Shri Ram," and amidst the spiritual fervour, a disturbing claim began doing the rounds: that Hindu families were fleeing the area, allegedly harassed by their Muslim neighbours. Some Hindu outfits claimed an exodus was underway and that Hindus were being forced to abandon their homes, but as an NDTV team reached the ground the next day, the truth was far more layered and far removed from the noise. What remained in the streets was a tense silence. The loudspeakers were gone, the saffron flags removed, but the unease lingered. The air carried a weight not of religious strife, but of fear and confusion. What emerged was not a story of communal hatred, but of a personal dispute that had been cleverly repackaged as a religious flashpoint. Radha Yadav, a resident, had put up a poster on her house that read: "Due to harassment by Muslims, this house is for sale." That poster had since disappeared, but the fear in her voice hadn't. She alleged that on July 21, a group of boys vandalised vehicles parked near her house. When she tried to record a video, she says she was hit on the hand, and her son was also assaulted. Her nightly ordeal, she claims, included a crowd of boys gathering outside, abusing her family, issuing threats, and even staging bizarre late-night celebrations like cutting cakes. She said complaints to the police and the Chief Minister's helpline went unanswered and it was then, in frustration and fear, that she posted the sign announcing her intent to sell the house. Her sister, Shanti Kanaujia, who lives next door, shared similar allegations. She claimed that when she protested against the harassment, she was physically attacked. The police, she says, didn't help, and instead, she was blamed, and the sister of one of the accused filed a counter-complaint. "We were the ones assaulted, and they made it look like we were the attackers," she said. Residents in the rest of the locality told a different story. They called it a personal feud, not a communal issue. Deepak Singh, a local, said, "This is not about religion. There have always been flags during Moharram, and now there are saffron flags too and we've coexisted peacefully." Others echoed this sentiment. Arman Khan said that if you parked a car or even passed by Radha's home, she would abuse and threaten to call the police. people who had grown up in the neighbourhood said in one voice: "This is not our fight. Someone is creating this atmosphere." "This locality has never had a communal atmosphere," said Saif Ahmed. "We celebrate festivals together. The Moharram procession starts from a Hindu's house, and the Durga idol is installed near a Muslim's home." Rahul Solanki, a lifelong resident, added, "I've seen Moharram and Holi celebrated here together. There was never any tension; this has been manufactured." Residents like Sheela Raikwar believe that certain organisations are exploiting a personal feud for communal mileage. "They come, shout slogans for 10 minutes, stick posters, create news, and leave," she said. "This is not a Hindu-Muslim issue. It's a private matter, being politicised." The police have now registered an FIR against two individuals based on Shanti's complaint. But there have been no arrests so far. Importantly, the police confirmed that no official complaint of migration due to religious harassment had been received. The so-called protest, they said, had no prior permission and seemed to be a spontaneous political stunt. "We received information from the Banganga area about a scuffle and exchange of abuses between two communities. An FIR has been registered and legal action is underway. However, no arrests have been made so far. No official complaint was submitted to the police station regarding any alleged migration due to harassment by Muslims. The protest that took place did not have prior permission; we were only informed about it," senior police officer Ankita Khatarkar said.
Hans India
19-07-2025
- General
- Hans India
Streets of Old City all set to come alive with 2-day Bonalu festivities
Hyderabad: The 400-year-old Sri Akkanna-Madanna Mahankali Mandiram is set to celebrate its 77th annual Bonalu and Mahankali Jathara festival on a grand scale this year. The temple, situated at Hari Bowli in Shalibanda, holds significant historical importance and has been the starting point of the annual Bonalu procession for over seven decades. In anticipation of the Bonalu festivities in the Old City, the Akkanna Madanna Mahankali Mandiram has made comprehensive arrangements for the successful conduct of the festival. Lakshmi, an elephant belonging to Sri Karibasava Swamy Mutt at Horapete in Tumkur, Karnataka, will participate, carrying the Ghatam in the Old City Bonalu Procession. Notably, the elephant recently carried Bibi-ka-Alam in the Moharram procession. Bonalu is celebrated in the month of Ashada, typically falling around July-August. It is primarily a commemoration of the Goddess, to appease her and express gratitude for fulfilled wishes. Alongside Yellamma, other forms of the Goddess such as Maisamma, Pochamma, Peddamma, Dokkalamma, Ankalamma, Poleramma, Maremma, and Nookalamma are worshipped during this period. For this year's celebrations, the temple committee is coordinating all arrangements with the assistance of the Police, GHMC, Endowment Department, Electricity, HMWSSB, R&B, Forest, and other government departments to ensure large-scale festivities and a grand procession, which is scheduled for 21 July. According to the committee, steps have been taken to ensure devotees from the twin cities and neighbouring districts visiting the temple for blessings can have Darshan of Matha without inconvenience. While other arrangements proceeded smoothly, there was initial anxiety among devotees regarding the elephant's participation with the Matha Ghatam in the procession. 'The elephant will participate in the Bonalu procession of Sri Nalla Pochamma Temple, Sabzimandi, on Sunday (20 July) and on Monday (21 July) in the Old City Bonalu Procession of Sri Akkanna Madanna Mahankali Mandiram,' informed SP Kranti Kumar, Temple Committee Organising Secretary. The Bonalu festival commenced earlier this month with MaahaAbhishekam to Sri Mahankali Matha and Kalasha Sthapana, followed by Dwajarohana. It will conclude on 21 July, after the PotharajuSwagatham and Rangam, when the Matha Ghatam will be taken out in a procession on a fully decorated elephant, Lakshmi. The 11-day festival officially ends on 22 July with 'AshthadalaPhadapadmaradhanPavithrosthavam'. Meanwhile, the Simhavahini Sri Mahankali Temple in Lal Darwaza, Old City, has also made all necessary arrangements for the festival. Temple committee member K Venkatesh stated that the temple annually witnesses a large congregation of devotees, and arrangements are in place with the help of various departments. 'These Bonalu festivities witness a congregation of devotees not only from the City, but from across neighbouring states including Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra and also Tamil Nadu. Hence, we are ensuring all the arrangements are in place,' he said. Venkatesh added, 'The tradition of Lal Darwaza Bonalu celebrations began during the time of Nizam VI Mir Mahboob Ali Khan. This year the celebrations will complete 117 years. History shows that many kings, politicians and ministers offered silk garments and jewellery to the goddess. The tradition of presenting silk robes to the goddess on behalf of the government is being continued.' On Friday, Hyderabad district collector Harichandana, along with other officers, visited the Lal Darwaza temple. They reviewed the security and traffic arrangements being made for the Bonalu festival, which will be held on Sunday. Police officials have coordinated with several other departments, including endowments, revenue, electricity, waterworks, R&B, and GHMC, to ensure the smooth conduct of the festival. A review was conducted on arrangements for law and order, traffic, queue lines for devotees, medical facilities, barricading, media points, electricity, and water supply. All concerned departments were instructed to make appropriate arrangements to prevent any inconvenience to devotees.
India Today
16-07-2025
- India Today
478 in custody for misbehaving with women during Bonalu, Moharram celebrations
The Hyderabad City Police's SHE teams caught 478 individuals for misbehaving with women at key temple locations across the city during the recent Bonalu and Moharram action was taken as part of the enforcement drive during celebrations at Golconda Bonalu, Balkampet Yellamma Temple, and Secunderabad Ujjaini Mahankali Temple. Those apprehended included 386 adults and 92 enhance security during the festive period, 14 SHE teams were deployed across major congregation points. The teams took preventive and responsive measures against incidents of harassment and misbehaviour. According to the Women Safety Wing, 288 individuals were let off with warnings but four were booked under petty cases, resulting in fines totalling Rs 1,050. Five cases ended in convictions with one offender receiving a jail sentence and fine. Eight FIRs were registered at various police stations in the In addition to enforcement, the SHE teams conducted widespread awareness initiatives such as 124 programs in schools, colleges, and public areas, apart from the 1,405 surveillance checks carried out at public spots along with 352 audio-visual awareness drives were conducted using mobile AV SHE Team initiative was launched by the Telangana government on October 24, 2014, to provide a safe and secure environment for women in the state. 'SHE Teams are engaged in round the clock surveillance of the city by mapping out 'hotspots' and 'hot timings' where offenders pounce on unsuspecting victims,' the Hyderabad police website for the specialised team stated.- Ends
News18
07-07-2025
- General
- News18
No Muslim Households, But This Karnataka Village Observes Muharram With Great Devotion
Last Updated: For three days, the community reverently installs and worships 'Alaidevru' In a remarkable display of interfaith harmony and cultural inclusivity, the Banjara community of Shirihalli Thanda in Shivamogga district's Shikaripura taluk observed Muharram with immense devotion, despite there being no Muslim households in their village. The observance, entirely led by the Banjara community, underscores a deep-rooted tradition of unity and mutual respect. For three days, the community reverently installs and worships 'Alaidevru'. It culminates on the third day with a procession where villagers offer prayers and express their devotion. During the procession, the air resonates with traditional Banjara songs and devotional hymns, adding a unique cultural flavour to the observance of Moharram. This annual event not only showcases the Banjara community's unwavering faith but also sends a powerful message of communal amity and shared cultural heritage. Their heartfelt observance of Moharram truly embodies the spirit of interfaith coexistence. The Banjara community, also known as Lambanis, are a prominent tribal group in Karnataka and other parts of India, historically known for their nomadic trading lifestyle.
Hans India
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Moharram observed on solemn note in Banaganapalle
Banaganapalle, (Nandyal district): The Moharram (Shahadat) observances, marking the martyrdom of Prophet Muhammad's grandsons Hasan and Hussain in the Battle of Karbala, concluded solemnly in Banaganapalle on Sunday. The ceremonies, starting June 27, ended with a grand procession reflecting deep mourning and devotion. The Alam (Peer) procession began at Nawab's fort after midday prayers, passing through key areas like post office, Asthanam, circle office, and old bus stand, concluding at Jurre Gattu with ritualistic offerings. Shia community members participated, reciting elegies and performing matam (self-flagellation) with blades to express grief. The Nawab family, including Nawab Mir Fazal Ali Khan and his son Mir Ghulam Ali Khan, joined the event, enhancing its cultural significance. The rites concluded with the ceremonial immersion of the Alams of Hasan, Hussain, and Bibi Fatima at Jurre Gattu, with sacred items preserved in a special box. Cinema halls in Banaganapalle remained closed as a mark of respect. The coalition government supported the observances with a Rs 10 lakh allocation. Roads and Buildings Minister BC Janardhan Reddy inaugurated the ceremonial Alam placement at Nawab's Asthana, highlighting government involvement in this interfaith event, second only to Hyderabad in grandeur. Large crowds from the town and nearby areas attended, showcasing communal harmony. For safety, medical camps were set up at two locations along the procession route, with ambulances available. DSP Srinivasulu, along with Urban and Rural CIs Praveen Kumar, Manjunath Reddy, and CI Prabhakar Reddy from Nandyal, ensured tight security, allowing the event to proceed peacefully.
