A Muharram procession in the city on Sunday. Picture by Eastern Projections

Jan. 20: Muharram was observed in the city today with traditional and religious fervour.

A large number of Muslims particularly those belonging to Shia sect congregated together at Machkhowa Idgah for ceremonial chest-beating (matham) as a mark of display of their devotion and love for Hazrat Imam Hussain, a grandson of Prophet Muhammad who became a martyr in the holy battle of Karbala.

Devouts took out processions and paraded along many of the city streets by holding banners and carrying models of the mausoleum of Hazrat Imam Hussain and his people, who sacrificed their lives at the Karbala.

During the congregation that continued till late this evening the youths recited, lamented and grieved to the tunes of beating drums and chants of “Ya Hussain”.

Passion plays were also performed, re-enacting the battle of Karbala and the suffering and death of Hussain in the hands of Yazid, the ruler of Iraq.

“The Machkhowa Idgah turned into a ‘battle zone’ as youths participated in mock sword fights and praised Hazrat Hussain. War flags were put up and around the idgahs,” said Hanif Ali, a resident of Machkhowa.

As Muharram is considered the day of mourning, many devout Muslims were on fast and prayer throughout Sunday.

Different mosques in the city organised “milad sharif” (gatherings) soon after the evening prayers to review Islamic teachings and to commemorate Hussain’s sacrifice for the sake of good and humanity.

The Bura Jame Masjid, the oldest mosque in the city, organised milad sharif on its Ambari premises. Imam Anowar Hussain of the mosque, while elaborating on the significance and relevance of the festival, gave a description of the battle of Karabala.

“In the Karbala battle, the forces of Yazid surrounded Hazrat Iman Hussain, his family members and a number of his followers. During the siege, they were deprived of food and water and many of them were put to death. But Hussain and his followers refused to bow before Yazid,” the Imam said.

Security arrangements in and around the mosques and idgahs were intensified because of Muharram. Mahatma Gandhi Road was closed to traffic because of the large congregation at Machkhowa Idgah.