Dr.Mazhar Naqvi
Members of Mahto community of the
Hindus have been keeping a Tazia as a thanks giving to martyrs of Karbala in
Alipur village of Darbhanga district in Bihar for the past six decades. It is
stated that one Virendra Mahto once fell severely ill and his mother prayed for
his recovery at the local Imambara of Mir Sahib. The ailing Virendra had a miraculous
recovery. As an expression of gratitude, his mother started keeping Tazia from
the next year onwards.
His son also carried on legacy. The
other members of the community also joined them. They prepare Tazia with their
own hands and never purchase it. Almost the entire community knows the art of Tazia
making. Hindu Tazia makers also strive to prepare the very best replica of Imam
Hussain’s tomb as they have to compete with 21 other Tazias that are brought
out by Muslims.
Alipur is alarge center of Taziadari. There
are close to dozen Muharram committees and most of them take out their
respective Tazias. They assemble in a ground where Tazias of Muslims meet the
replica of Mahto community with several associated customs. The custom is known
as ‘Milaan’ ceremony and it is undoubtedly the most awaited moments in Alipur
Muharram.
Hindus and Muslims both opine that
Milaan is symbol of religious tolerance and example of inter-faith
understanding. The local police make elaborate security arrangements for the
occasion as large numbers of devotees come to Alipur to be witness of the
ceremony. The organizers still remember the words of a former station House
Officer who had remarked ”Alipur is
amazing. I have remained posted at several places but nowhere else I witnessed
such a bond for Imam Hussain among Hindus and Muslims”.
Source: News 18
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