Hyderabad: Apart from Muslims, people of diverse faiths and beliefs participate in the Muharram processions.
Aliuddin Arif, mutawalli of Bibi-ka-Alawa, says that people from the Yadava community participate in the procession at Yakutpura. “They carry wooden sticks with chains strapped to them and chant ‘Ya Hussain’ while making offerings,” he says.
Some traditions are started by members of certain families. A silk umbrella, which was presented during the Nizam’s era, is borne by a man named Narender Goud, whose family has carried it traditionally. The Mahi Maratib, a metal fish which is a mark of royalty, will be held atop a camel by Rajendra Das. “His father did it previously,” Mr Arif says.
Thousands of Hindus visit the Bibi-ka-Alawa during the first ten days of Muharram to make offerings.
They also gather along the procession route to catch a glimpse of it. People from villages come to the city and make offerings to the Alam if their wishes are fulfilled.
Some Hindus also distribute free drinking water and soft drinks in the stretch from Gulzar Houz to Panjesha.
