Ahmedabad gets ready for Muharram

Preparations are on in full swing in Ahmedabad for Muhurram, which starts on Wednesday. Muharram is a period of grief and mourning for Muslims, rather than celebration. It marks the first month of the Islamic calendar.

The Muslim residents of the city are busy decorating and giving final touches to the Taziya. The city's oldest Taziya in Gaekwad Haveli, which is 150 years old, is a prime attraction with its beautiful decorations.

People take out the Taziya procession, which is a theatrical re-enactment of the battle of Karbala. "We take out Taziya julus (procession) on the 10th day of Muhurram, after travelling to various areas, we take it to the final destination at Khanpur Darwaza," said a resident of Jamalpur area.

When asked about this year's Muharram, Rafeeq Sheikh,a resident of Shahpur area, said, "From this year, computerised decorations have begun. Till now, the detailed work was done manually." During Muhurram, people belonging to the Shia community are seen wearing black clothes for 40 days to indicate mourning.

Speaking about the activities, secretary of Juhapura Masjid, Mohd Ibrahim Siddiqui said, "Every night, mijlas (story telling) activity is carried out for 10 days. The Maulana tells the story of the war and the life of Imaam Hussain." He added that around 1000 small and big Taziya processions are taken out in Ahmedabad city.

Speaking about its historical significance, Aftab Shethwala, a businessman said, "Muhurram marks the anniversary of the battle of Karbala, which was fought around 1400 years ago. In this war, Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Mohammed, was killed. This is the reason we mourn during Muhurram.”