Wednesday 20 May 2015

"Muharram in Indonesia"



A Tabuik Being Immersed In Pariaman.Courtesy : Google Image
Dr.Mazhar Naqvi
Pariaman, located along a beautiful 7-mile coastline and once famous as a thriving seaport, is now better known for its annual Tabuik ceremonies observed in memory of the martyrs of Karbala. Tabuik, derived from Arabic word, Tabut, is in fact local manifestation of the Remembrance of Muharram among the Minangkabau people in West Indonesia. The observance includes reenactments of the Battle of Karbala, and the playing of tasha and dhols particularly in Pariaman and areas surrounding it. Although originally an Imami festival, currently most inhabitants of Pariaman and its neighborhood observe Tabuik with solemnity and participate actively in the ceremonies ,irrespective of caste, creed and religion. Over the years, Tabuik ceremonies have also become a major tourist attraction as people from all over the world arrive during Muharram to watch richly decorated Tabuik made from Bamboo, rattan and paper and decorated with eight umbrella-sized, handcrafted flowers. It is placed above a statue of a Buraq, a powerful steed with broad wings and the head of a smiling girl. A tabuik is erected with three levels and its usual length exceeds 15 meters at times. It weighs approximately 500 kilograms.The base level has long wooden poles that enable the devotees to carry it to its final destination. Some devotees perform a mock-battle with another Tabuik like Akharas of muharram processions in india and Pakistan.During the first ten days of Muharram, traditional plays such as Tari Piring and several other activities.The remembrance draws a large crowd including dignitaries such as the provincial governor, to see Tabuik in the morning before it is slowly taken to the beach. At noon, before it is immersed into the sea, devotees rush to touch and have a last glimpse of Tabuik. Many even throw themselves into sea to find remains of Tabuik and keep them as tabarruk or holy relic at their homes.
Two communities, Pasar and Subarang, actively participate in the Tabuik procession. The popularity of Tabuik can easily be attributed to the efforts of these communities.  Commencing on the first day of Muharram, two Tabuik cenotaphs are assembled in preparation for the final procession. Construction begins with the collection of earth from Subarang and Pasar land. This earth is wrapped in white cloth and later put into the Tabuik to represent the graves of Hasan and Hussein. Special rites accompany the making of the Tabuik. These rituals represent different parts of Imam Hussain’s story and symbolise his courage in fighting the enemy, as well as that of his brave companions who did not leave him despite three days thirst and hunger.
The tradition of Tabuik was introduced by Indian of British Army and traders in 1831. The term tabuik, is derived from Bahasa Indonesia, tabut, It started from the port  Pariaman , for it  was the place where traders from the  Minangkabau interior of West Sumatra have been brining gold, pepper, honey, and candlenuts and other local produce to sell and exchange since 15th Century. When British army comprising of many Imamis, arrived from Madras to the port they started observing Muharram ceremonies. The martyrdom of Imam Hussain appealed to the locals greatly and they too started participating in the Muharram remembrance. In the process, they turned Pariaman as a  prominent place where the remembrance of martyrdom of Imam Hussain is observed with remarkable grandeur.( reference available on request)







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