Self-flagellation, chest beating mark Muharram in Machilipatnam

VIJAYAWADA: Muslim community, mainly Shias, observed Muharram at the Koneru Centre in Machilipatnam of Krishna district on Tuesday with participants dressed in black beating their chests and flagellating themselves. The centre turned red with blood of those participating in the programme to mark the martyrdom of Hussain, grandson of Prophet Mohammad in the battle of Karbala in Iraq.

Shia elders said Muharram, called Youm-e-Ashura, is observed in AP mainly in Machilipatnam, where members of the community stay in large numbers. The community has been observing the day since the time of Mughals. It continued during the British period and has continued to the present times.

Prayers and meetings were held on the day in Machilipatnam and at other places in AP, including at Punja Centre in Vijayawada and in Guntur.

Leaders of ruling YSR Congress, opposition Telugu Desam, Congress and Jana Sena joined the procession on the day and participated in meetings at various places in large numbers.