The traditional Tazia procession, which has been going on for centuries, has started from the historic Hussaini Dalan Imambara in the capital’s Old Dhaka on the occasion of the holy Ashura. Thousands of devout Shia people took part in the mourning procession that began at 10 am on Friday (10 Muharram).
Most of the participants in the procession, organized to commemorate the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA), the grandson of the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH), and his family members in the desert of Karbala, wore black clothes. Many of them carried flags, banners, symbols of the prancing horse, and various religious symbols. Throughout the procession, the mournful memory of Karbala was remembered through the chants of ‘Ya Hussain, Ya Hussain’ and the beating of the chest.
People from different parts of the country came to the capital to participate in the procession. Participants said that the sacrifice of Karbala is a unique example of steadfastness for truth, justice and ideals in Islam. They participated in the procession with their family members to highlight this history to the new generation.
M.M. Firoz Hossain, convener of the Hussaini Dalan Imambara Muharram procession committee, said, “The lesson of Karbala is to stand for truth against injustice.” He expressed his hope for the establishment of peace, justice and human values in the society and thanked the law enforcement agencies for ensuring overall security.
The procession will leave Imambara and pass through Bakshibazar, Urdu Road, Lalbagh, Azimpur, Nilkhet, New Market, Science Lab and Jigatola before reaching Dhanmondi Lake. One of the main programs of the day will conclude there with the symbolic immersion of Tazia.
In addition, after the Friday prayers, a ‘Faka Shikani’ (distribution of headscarves) ceremony will be held at the Hussaini Hall, and a special gathering titled ‘Same Gariba’ (The Sorrowful) will be held in the evening. In memory of the mourning of Karbala, a special mourning ceremony will be held by extinguishing the lights of the Imambara.
Separate tazia processions, majlis and religious programs have also been organized on the occasion of Ashura at about 30 small and large imambaras in the capital, including Bora Katara, Mohammadpur, Purana Paltan and Moghbazar.