Ashoorkhanas Await Grants Ahead of Muharram

HYDERABAD: Even as Muharram, the first sacred month of the Islamic lunar calendar, commences Wednesday, ashoorkhanas are awaiting government grants to meet day‑to‑day activities.

There are around 11,000 ashoorkhanas across the state, with annual grants ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹30,000 depending on the size of the institution. The grants are delayed every year, forcing caretakers to spend from their own pockets. Mutawallis, who are supposed to make arrangements for Muharram observance, are being compelled to run around offices seeking funds.

Caretakers said even smaller ashoorkhanas require up to ₹1 lakh for restoration work, food distribution, bands, lighting and other arrangements, as large numbers of people visit during Muharram. “We are trying to protect and continue the legacy, but there is no proper support,” they said.

Baadshahi Ashoorkhana hereditary mutawalli Mir Abbas Ali Musvi said they had requested the government to provide at least ₹25,000 as the annual Muharram grant, which has not yet been released. Another mutawalli, Rampally Srikanth, said grants were given only to gazetted ashoorkhanas, while many caretakers in villages were not even aware of the gazette.

Caretakers have long urged the government to enhance grants for renovation and repairs. Minority department officials reportedly assured them of enhanced grants this time, but caretakers said they have not been informed of any increase. They once again urged immediate release of funds for necessary works.

Waqf Board chairman Azmatullah Husseini told Deccan Chronicle that grants would be disbursed in a couple of days. “We are trying to release it as soon as possible. It will be given to all eligible beneficiaries. As assured, the grant amount will also be increased. The details will be announced shortly,” he said.