Muharram-2016 in Kanpur-A Brief Report

Matami Procession of Anjuman-E-Rizviya Originating from Imambara Muzaffar Ali Khan

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

‘Yaum-E-Ashura’ was observed with traditional solemnity in Kanpur city-one of the largest Industrial Metropolis of India. As usual, three well- attended Matami processions from Ram Narayan Bazar area remained attraction of the day. Brought out by Anjuman Moin Ul Momneen, Anjuman-E-Rizviya and Anjuman Raza-E- Islam, the three processions witnessed ‘Matam’ by swords, Knives and chains by youths in large number. While Rizviya and Raza-E-Islam adopted a restrained approach towards recital of Nauhas, Moin –Ul-Momneen performed Nauhakhwani at great length. Its Sahab-E-Bayaz Janab Jafar Kazim Sahib recited Nauhas written by Allama Muntasir Zaidpuri and Saba Lucknowi. Devotees wept bitterly when he  began Zaidpuri’s famous Nauha “Hamne dekha jab makan se Tazia Jaate Hue”( When I saw Tazia Moving from home).Similarly Alvida of Anjuman’Mere Ghareeb Alvida,Mere Ghareeb Alvida”( Good Bye My Imam in Distress).

Anjuman-E-Raza-E-Islam recited Nauhas and Alvida written by Mussawair Zaidpuri.Sahab-e-Bayaz Salmi and Sharad recited Nauha “ Uf ye Zul-o-Sitam,Ye Tabahi” ( Oh No, Such Barbarism and destruction)to leave devotees wailing. Then they recited Alvida with wordings “Fatima Zahra Ke Dilbar Alvida”(Good Bye sweet Heart of Bibi Fatima Zahra).Anjuman-E-Rizviya did Nauhakhwani with Nauhas written by Nawab Asar Lucknowi and Basharat Sahib.”Lashe Shah Pe kahti thee,Zainab ye kah Kar alvida, Ab Main Kahan aur Tuma Kahan Ae Biradar Alvida”(Zainab said good bye at the body of king of martyrs, Good bye brother as you have attained martyrdom and I am left to complete your task in Kufa and Damascus)”.Wasi, Ibne Hasan and Nawab Mumtaz Hussain performed Nauhakhwani. All the three processions culminated at Gwaltoli Karbala.

Matami Julus Entering Gwaltoli Karbala 

Other Matami Anjumans like Mohammad Moin Ul-Aza, Panjatani, Zulfiqar-e-Haideri, Abu Tarabiya, Shamsheer Haideri, Aza-e-Hussain,Firdausia, Masoomia and Jafariya also took out Tazia and Alam processions from Gwaltoli, Colonelganjand Chamanganj areas. Tazias from all over city also reached Gwaltoli amidst drumming. Tazia of Badar Ali attracted attention in view of its length and well-trained Muharram drumming. A number of NGOs played effective role in the peaceful observance of muharram ceremonies in Kanpur.(The article is based on personal participation by the blogger himself.Photo Courtesy Google Images )