Hazrat Ali's Birthday Celebrations in Kanpur- A Report

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi 

The birth anniversary of Hazrat Ali Ibn Abu Talib was celebrated with great enthusiasm in Kanpur metropolis of India on April 10 and 11, 2017. Like yesteryears, Julus-E-Haidery turned out to be the biggest attraction of the day. It started from Phoolbagh crossing and culminated at Nawabganj Badi Karbala after passing through Bara Chauraha, Parade, Colonelganj, Gwaltoli and Azad Nagar. Sabils were especially erected on both sides of the procession’s route by devotees to distribute water, sherbat and sweets. The procession is being taken out under the aegis of All India Shia Yuva Unit since the declaration of 13 Rajab, the Birth day of Maula Ali, as a public holiday by government about six years ago. Sabils erected by   Anjuman Raza-E-Islam and Anjuman Panjatni opposite Reserve Bank of India and  Apollo Hospital in Chunniganj respectively drew huge crowd. Another unique feature of the procession was the participation of non-Muslims. The procession itself was flagged off by Mr.Chandresh Singh. Maulana Alamdar Hussain addressed the gathering before start of the procession. He highlighted the virtues of Maula Ali and said that he earned the title of ‘Mushkil Kusha’ for providing solution to the vexed problems and his sayings are of great relevance to the issue confronting the modern world today. A number of processionists donned saffron caps to symbolize the composite culture of India as April 12, 2017(Rajab 13) also marked the birth anniversary of Lord Hanuman who is considered as Sankat Mochak(Mushkil Kusha)  by Hindus.Barelvi sect of Muslims also celebrated the birth anniversary of Maula Ali in Colonelganj area. A grand program was organized under the presidentship of  Shahar qazi Alam Raza Noori Sahib. Eminent poets recited manqabats in praise of Maula Ali at the function.

On the eve of Maula’a birth anniversary, Mehfils and Meelads were also organized all over the city. Anjuman-E-Rizviya organized Noori Mehfil at Masjid Baghwali in Patkapur. Eminent poets like Talib Kanpuri,Feroze Kanpuri, Faiz Kanpuri, Jafar Kazim and Salmi recited poetry on various aspects of personality and character of  Hazrat Ali who was the first among males of embrace Islam. He was also cousin and Son-in-Law of the holy Prophet.  He is also considered as spiritual successor of the Prophet. Hazrat Ali fought many battles for defense of Islam and earned the title of’ Lion of God’ (Shere Khuda) through his exemplary bravery.Devoteees also hosted Nazr-e-Maula in their homes all over the city and people greeted each other throughout the day. At several places, Cakes were cut and parties hosted to mark the occasion. A Mehfil too was hosted at Imambargah Aale Fatima in Nawab Sahib Ka Hata where poets presented kalams befitting the occasion. Talib Kanpuri performed the duty of nazim-e-Mehfil( Comperer).

In Makanpur, the headquarters of Madariya Sufi order about 60 kms from Kanpur, a huge procession was taken out. Thousands of people attended the procession and rent the air with slogans like Nara-e-Haidery, Ya Ali, Ek Nara Panjatan, Ya Ali. Makanpur happens to be the last resting place of order’s founder Hazrat Badiuddin Zinda Shah Madar- a prominent Sufi of medieval India.He is also known for his poetry on Hazrat Ali. Prominent among those attended the procession included Mahzar Ali, Shajar Ali, Hasham Abbas and Shabban Khan.(References available on request. Photo Courtesy Google Images)