Muharram Festivals, India - मुहर्रम
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The state of Uttar Pradesh celebrates all its festivals joyously. Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh is a principal centre of Muslim culture. It is therefore not surprising that the festival of Muharram is celebrated with much ostentation and ceremony in Lucknow.
Commemorates the martyrdom of imam Hussain, the grandson of the holy prophet Mohammed, and is observed by the shi'ite Muslims, who take out processions of colourfully decorated 't azias', which are paper and bamboo replicas of the martyr's tomb at karbala in Iraq. The processions are specially impressive at Lucknow. In parts of the south, tiger dancers -men painted over with stripes and wearing tiger masks, lead the procession.
The general belief is that Muharram is a particular day. In reality, Muharram is the first month of the Islamic Calendar. It is considered very holy. The festival of Muharram is celebrated to commemorate the death of Prophet Mohammed's grandson Hussain. He had given up his life at Kerbala on the banks of the river Euphrates while resisting anti Islamic forces.
This Muslim festival of mourning is observed in the first month of the Hijra year, Muharram. The festival commemorates the martyrdom of the prophet Mohammed's grandson- Hazrat Imam Hussain. It is celebrated with great fervour by the Muslims especially the Shia community.
Hazrat Hussain was the second son of Fathima, the prophet Mohammed's daughter. He was brutally murdered with his whole family and followers by the wicked, Yazid, a Muslim ruler at Karbala in Mecca. This dispute was result of a disagreement among Muslims on the question of succession after the demise of Hazrat Ali, the fourth caliph.
Tazias, glittering replicas of the Martyr's tomb, are carried in procession through the streets. The Tazias of Lucknow and Hyderabad are noted for their splendour. The Muslims observe fasts, offer prayers recites 'fatihas' in homage to the martyrs who fought bravely for preserving their faith. In places like Lucknow, Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, grand scale processions are held. People beat their chest in mourning to the tune of beating drums and chants 'Ya Hussain'. Devotees beat themselves and inflict wounds on their own bodies. Some sects of Muslims hold meetings where speeches are made on the happenings of Karbala and on the lives of martyrs. After the procession, the devotees return home, break their fast and give food, clothes, money to the poor, needy and the sick in charity.
On this day which is generally referred to by all as Muharram, the Muslims of Lucknow are in a very generous mood. Their day begins with a bath. After putting surma in their eyes, they engage themselves in various charitable activities. The Nafl Salat prayers and the Surah Ikhlas are performed religiously. They vow to make friends with enemies and also spend quality time in the company of the Ulemas.
In the gatherings on the occasion of Muharram, Islamic leaders narrate the story of martyrdom of Hussain. The most important part of the festival is the processions. The taziyas or the colourful replicas of Hussain's tomb are decorated and taken out and the followers mourn aloud the death of Hussain. In Lucknow, the rites of mourning are observed with greater passion.
Commemorates the martyrdom of imam Hussain, the grandson of the holy prophet Mohammed, and is observed by the shi'ite Muslims, who take out processions of colourfully decorated 't azias', which are paper and bamboo replicas of the martyr's tomb at karbala in Iraq. The processions are specially impressive at Lucknow. In parts of the south, tiger dancers -men painted over with stripes and wearing tiger masks, lead the procession.
The general belief is that Muharram is a particular day. In reality, Muharram is the first month of the Islamic Calendar. It is considered very holy. The festival of Muharram is celebrated to commemorate the death of Prophet Mohammed's grandson Hussain. He had given up his life at Kerbala on the banks of the river Euphrates while resisting anti Islamic forces.
This Muslim festival of mourning is observed in the first month of the Hijra year, Muharram. The festival commemorates the martyrdom of the prophet Mohammed's grandson- Hazrat Imam Hussain. It is celebrated with great fervour by the Muslims especially the Shia community.
Hazrat Hussain was the second son of Fathima, the prophet Mohammed's daughter. He was brutally murdered with his whole family and followers by the wicked, Yazid, a Muslim ruler at Karbala in Mecca. This dispute was result of a disagreement among Muslims on the question of succession after the demise of Hazrat Ali, the fourth caliph.
Tazias, glittering replicas of the Martyr's tomb, are carried in procession through the streets. The Tazias of Lucknow and Hyderabad are noted for their splendour. The Muslims observe fasts, offer prayers recites 'fatihas' in homage to the martyrs who fought bravely for preserving their faith. In places like Lucknow, Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, grand scale processions are held. People beat their chest in mourning to the tune of beating drums and chants 'Ya Hussain'. Devotees beat themselves and inflict wounds on their own bodies. Some sects of Muslims hold meetings where speeches are made on the happenings of Karbala and on the lives of martyrs. After the procession, the devotees return home, break their fast and give food, clothes, money to the poor, needy and the sick in charity.
Festival in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
Prophet Mohammed himself advocated fasting in the month of Muharram. It is not morally binding, but the belief is that if you observe fast, you will be generously rewarded by Allah. However, it is particularly important to fast on Ashura, the tenth day of the month because it will yield great rewards. The people of Lucknow generally observe a fast on this day.On this day which is generally referred to by all as Muharram, the Muslims of Lucknow are in a very generous mood. Their day begins with a bath. After putting surma in their eyes, they engage themselves in various charitable activities. The Nafl Salat prayers and the Surah Ikhlas are performed religiously. They vow to make friends with enemies and also spend quality time in the company of the Ulemas.
In the gatherings on the occasion of Muharram, Islamic leaders narrate the story of martyrdom of Hussain. The most important part of the festival is the processions. The taziyas or the colourful replicas of Hussain's tomb are decorated and taken out and the followers mourn aloud the death of Hussain. In Lucknow, the rites of mourning are observed with greater passion.
Time for Celebrating Festivals
The Time for Celebrating Festivals Muharram is variable. It is celebrated according to the lunar calendar and so the time fluctuates throughout the season.