Imambara Panjatani-Symbol of Magnificent Spirit

Zari Inside Imambargah Panjatani

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

ImambargahPanjatani, renovated recently by vegetable-sellers of crowded Parade market of Kanpur, is a simple structure with magnificent spirit. It not only symbolizes the unconditional love among vegetable sellers but also stands as their victory over the nefarious plan of the district administration to demolish it a few months back. The Imambara had existed ever since the beginning of the vegetable market. It was made of bamboo sticks and had a thatched roof with a Zari Mubarak. Adjacent to it was chicken and fish market on Nazul(Government) land. The district administration won the legal battle and grabbed the market, refusing to entertain request for renewal of the lease executed in British era in favour of sellers of vegetables, chicken, fruits  and fish.

A View of Vegetable Market at Parade-Kanpur(India)

The authorities decided to built a commercial complex titled KDA Crystal and began demolishing the existing structures .The uprooted shopkeepers watched silently their shops being razed to ground but woke suddenly to save Imambara when they saw bulldozers proceeding towards its structure. Thousands of people assembled there with religious leaders. Sensing gravity of the situation, administration back tracked and assured Shahar Qazi Maulana Hamid Hussain that they would not touch Imambara and space surrounding it. Authorities revised their map and left Imambara and its surroundings intact. The jubilant vegetable from their own resources immediately replaced thatched roof with tin shed after erecting walls with bricks. They also brought a beautiful Zari from Lucknow that was placed inside the structure amidst  the presence of devotees. Social outfit KLhidmat-E-Khalq foundation and its secretary Janab Abdul Mabood Sahib played a key role in the erection of Imambara and he has taken upon himself also the responsibility of its maintenance. He has appointed a full time care-taker and himself visits the shrine every day.

Entrance of Imambargah Panjatani

A small mosque has also been built behind the Imambara where prayers are offered regularly. The vegetable sellers have also named the renovated structure as Imambara Panjatani. In a conversation with the blogger, Mabood sahib said “There will be discourses at the Imambara during Muharram and religious scholars will address the devotees about the martyrs of Karbala. We will also hold Langar and erect Sabeels on 9^th and 10 of Muharram. After Allah, I love the Holy Prophet and his Ahle-bait the most. I admire Imam Hussain for saving Islam and exposing falsehood.”(The article is based upon inputs from Mabood sahib and Hashim Sahib. All Photos by Blogger himself.)

   

Abdul Mabud Sahib