Hyderabad: A cloud of mourning pervaded the streets of the old city, on Friday, as Shia Muslims observed Yaum-e-Ashoora, the 10th day of Muharram, mourning the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Mohammed and his followers, in Karbala over 1,400 years ago.
The traditional Bibi Ka Alam procession was taken out on a caparisoned elephant from Bibi Ka Alawa, in Dabeerpura, at 1 pm. Hundreds of Shia Muslims, clad in black, beat their chests and perform ‘Matham,’ the act of flagellated themselves walking along with the procession, even as cries of “Ya Hussain” rented the air.
Amid recitation of ‘marsiye’ (elegies) and ‘nohay’ (poems expressing sorrow), the bare-foot youths using knives, blade encrusted chains and other sharp-edged weapons inflicted injuries, mourning the sufferings of Imam Hussain and his family members.
Thousands of men, women and children lined up along the streets to watch the procession and offer their respects and Dhattis as the procession passed through Shaikh Faiz Kaman, Etebar Chowk, Kotla Ali Jah, Charminar, Gulzar Houz, Panje Shah, Khadme Rasool, then again Etebar Chowk, Bargah-e-Fathima, Mir Alam Mandi, Purani Haveli.
Prince Shahmath Jah took part in the procession. Likewise, Mayor Majid Hussain, City police commissioner, Anurag Sharma and others participated.
