Hindu Tazia Maker of Gorakhpur

Tazias of Gorakhpur

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

A Hindu family has been making Tazia and participating in Muharram rituals for over two decades in Beniganj area of Gorakhpur district-the stronghold of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and Mahant of Gorakhnath Dham Mahant Yogi Adityanath.

Puran also prepares Tazias for Muslim Devotees and he keeps replica of Imam Hussain’s shrine at local Eidgah. He takes out Tazia procession from Rudulpur on Shabe-Ashur.Both Muslims and Hindus attend the procession in large number.

In 2019,Puran had prepared as many as 14 Tazias with price ranging between Rs.500 and Rs.5000.Puran became interested in Tazia Making from childhood as his house was opposite the famous Tazia maker of Gorakhpur Hamidullah. He became disciple of the artist and since then has not looked back. Puran ranks as a leading Tazia Maker of Gorakhpur and Muslims like Ashiq Hussain has been getting his Tazia prepared by him only. He feels that Puran has inherited the art from his Ustad like a true disciple.

While interacting with Taziadars, Puran has also come to know lot about Karbala, Imam Hussain and other martyrs. Inspired but the character and personality of blessed Imam, he began keeping his own 

Tazia and initiated procession as well on 9^th night of Muharram at a time when Gorakhpur was in flames of communal orgy. The city had witnessed  two communities at loggerheads in 2007 but he remained unfazed by the currents out of his devotion for Imam who he feel made him a celebrity during Muharram from an unknown resident. His family also supports him in Tazia making-an art that seemed to be in danger after Hamidullah.

Gorakhpur is known for grandeur of muharram ceremonies because of Sufi Roshan Shah who had received grants from Nawab Asaf Ud Daula and erected famous Miyan Sahib Ka Imambara in 18^th century. Nawab had also donated Gold and Silver Tazias for Imambara.At the request of  Sufi Roshan, Nawab had also given generous grant to the temple of Gorakhnath.

The Imambara is considered to be a symbol of brotherhood where people of all faiths pray for the fulfillment of their wishes and desires.This age-old tradition is being preserved till this day. It is noteworthy that Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Christians rise above religious prejudices and come and pray here together.This Imambara is a symbol of brotherhood.People in distress come here to pray for the fulfilment of their desires.They come here with hope and all their desires are fulfilled here.It is a very significant symbol of faith.according to a devotee Sungithi.

In colonial India, Gorakhpur used to have large participation of Hindus in Muharram procession but the number has reduced considerably of late. There  are few people like Puran who is still trying to keep the tradition alive.

Source: Patrika/Photo Courtesy Google Images