Muharram Commemoration by Dilbahar Mandal

A View of Dilbahar Talim Mandal's Taziakhana 

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

Dilbahar Talim Mandal is perhaps the only NGO India that has been commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussain for the past 129 years. Located in Ravivar Peth area of Kolhapur City of Western India, the Mandal is truly a symbol of unity in diversity. Despite being managed by mostly non- Muslims, the Mandal has on its premises a temple and a mosque in a single building. Mandal also celebrates Ganesh Mahotsava the way it observes Muharram with traditional fervor and solemnity. The credit for encouraging the Mandal to recall the martyrdom olf Imam Hussain goes to the most visionary ruler of Kolhapur Chatrapati Shahu Maharaj. Kolhapur was a princely state of British India. On March 17, 1884, connotation ceremony of Shahu Maharaj took place in presence of a massive gathering. The state experienced an era of progress, development and matchless harmony among the followers of different religions.

Dilbahar Mandal also came into existence the same year. But its name was ‘Shree Rameshwar Prasadik Bhajani Mandal’. As the objectives of the newly formed outfit aimed at uplift of all sections of the society, Shahu Maharaj extended his all out support to the endeavor. After few years, Mandal decided to renovate its building. Shahu Maharaj at this juncture asked the Mandal to observe Muharram every year. He suggested so as sending signal across his dominions that all festivals were equal in the eyes of the state. Another reason for encouraging observance Taziadari was the absence of any other festival that could match the tremendous popularity of among the masses. While popular Durga Puja festivities were restricted to Bengal, Ganesh Mahotsava had lost much of its sheen after the collapse of Peshwas.

No one knows as to when exactly Ganesh Chaturthi was celebrated for the first time but it was surely a popular festival of among Marathis. During the heydays of Marathas, the festival enjoyed state patronage as well. People celebrated it publicly with great pomp and show. But it became a low key affair when fortunes of Peshwas nosedived after Anglo-Maratha war. Shocked over the victory of British over Marathas and devoid of state patronage, the popularity of Ganesh Chaturthi also diminished. Devotees stopped celebrating it at public places ands restricted the celebration to their homes. The situation remained so till Tilak revived it in 1894 through his articles in his newspaper ’Kesari’. Till then, Kolhapur like other cities of British presidency of Bombay continued to observe Muharram with splendor and grandeur. Throughout his life Shahu Maharaj patronized Muharram and funded Mandal for Taziadari. He also visited Mandal and was much impressed with the cleanliness and maintenance of the entire premises. After him, his son Rajaram was coroneted as a Chhatrapati. He too supported the Mandal on the pattern of his illustrious father. The name of Mandal changed when Balekhan’s brother, Shahir Haider visited NGO and remarked “Wah, Dil Bhar Aaya.’(Vow, I am choked with emotion).The celebration of Ganesh Utsav and observance of Muharram impressed him most. As the old name of the Mandal did not sound secular, NGO decided to rechristen itself as Dilbahar Talim Mandal, drawing inspiration from the remark of Mr. Haider “ Dil Bhar”. Talim, an Urdu word was also added before Mandal- a rare gesture indeed. Only Mandal is the only Hindi word in the new name rest being in Urdu. The current office-bearers are carrying on the tradition set by Shahu Maharaj. As a result, Muharram is observed in Kolhapur by all religious & social groups till date.( References available on request)