Haloka Tazia Moving in Procession
Dr.Mazhar Naqvi
Haloka Tazia of Nasik city of Indian
state of Maharashtra is a fine example of Hindu –Muslim Unity for the past 400
years. The Tazia is prepared jointly by Hindu
and Muslim devotees and considered to be the senior most among Tazias taken out
in Nasik during Muharram. The devotees prepare it in Imamshahi
Ashurkhana(Imambargah) located in old Nasik locality and received salutation
from other Tazias when it is carried in
a procession. Apart from Muslims, thousands of Hindus are also followers of
Tazia. It is the Hindus who list Tazia after its completion on 1st day
of Muharram and place it in Ashurkhana so as to enable people to have a glimpse
(Darshan or Ziarat) of it. Hindu devotees shoulder Tazia on 7th of
Muharram and again on Yaum-e-Ashura. They have been doing so for the past four
centuries uninterrupted. In Nasik, it is the only Tazia that is buried whereas
its other counterparts are usually immersed in Godavari.
For the past several
generations, Noor family of Nasik has been the custodian of Haloka Tazia. It is
they who reveals the history of Haloka Tazia and rituals associated with it. The
tremendous popularity of Haloka Tazia among Hindus is miraculous and symbolizes
how deeply the martyrdom of Imam Hussain has inspired people irrespective of
caste, creed, religion or region. People of Nasik is proud of Haloka Tazia and
considers it as their pride and honor. Their love for Imam Hussain becomes more praiseworthy, considering the status
of Nasik as one of the most holiest
cities of Hindus and that also hosts ‘Kumbha’ after every 12 years.(References
available on request. Photo Courtesy Google Images)
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