Ashura or the 10th day of Muharram (the first month of the Hijri calendar) is an important day to the Shia Muslims of the world. Imam Husain (R), the grandson of the Holy Prophet (SM) was killed brutally on the battlefield of Karbala on this day.
Text and photos by Ahad Karim
In Bengal Ashura or the 10th Muharram, has been observed amid religious fervour and ceremony for the last few centuries and the famous Hosni Dalan has been the centre of the observances.
Devotees gather at the Imam Bara to bring out Tajia Michhil (in the Tajia procession). The Michhil winds it way through the city streets and ends at a place designated as Karbala on the banks of the Dhanmondi Lake of Dhaka city.
The participants wail in the procession chanting ‘Hay Husain, Hay Husain’. The replica of Duldul, the horse of Imam Husain (R) and the flags in the procession symbolize the presence of the Imam Hosain (R). This procession has been common here since 18th century. Horses and elephants were used in the procession. A fair is also arranged on the occasion of the day. Handicrafts, pottery, brass ware, bows and arrows, swords, merry-go-rounds, Latikhela (stick fight) etc are the attractions of the fair. Latikhela between two groups symbolize the battle between the two troops of Imam Husain (R) and his opponent Yazid.
