Chehlum at Imambara Hadi Begum

Imambara Hadi Begum Chehlum Procession with Tazia

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

“Neeyat Salim, Manzil Aasaan” (True intention fetches you what you aspire for).The old adage fits appropriately for great azadar of Kanpur Hadi Begum Sahiba. She had created a trust of her properties worth millions of rupees for continuance of Azadari rituals after her death. In her life time, she used to spend generously throughout Ayam-e-Aza (Two months eight days period of Muharram mourning) with special focus on observance of Chehlum. Her efforts made Chehlum procession of her Imambara in Colonelganj as one of the most hugely attended assembly of mourners. The procession enjoys the same status even today and people flock to Imambara Hadi Begum in large number to attend the procession.She was wife of a wealthy merchant Haji Ismail Sahib and contributed much to promotion of Azadari in her life time in most selfless way. 

The emotional bond of devotees with Chehlum procession was once again visible today on the occasion of Chehlum. Hundreds of mourners listened with rapt attention the tragic narratives of Karbala at the majlis held before commencement of procession. Then, they resorted to thunderous Matam before taking out the holy relics from Imambara. The relics included a Coffin, Cradle, Shamsheer,Alam, Zuljina and Tazia. As specified by Hadi Begum Sahiba in her trust deed, Anjuman-Moinul Momneen performed Nauhakhwani in the procession. It recited the famous Nauha of Muntasir Zaidpuri Sahib “Hamne Dekha Jab Makaan Se Tazia Jaate Hue”(When We Saw Tazia Going From Home) to bring tears to the eyes of mourners. As the procession passes through the narrow lane of Hata Chotey Miyan, jostling among devotees was also seen for offering floral tributes to the relics. Women too awaited the emergence of procession from Imambara on pavements since early morning. After Ziyarat of relics, they went inside the Imambara to recite Marsiyas in memory of Imam Hussain, his family members and companions.

A Holy Relic of Imambara with Chehlum Procession

Hadi Begum Sahiba was not just a great azadar but a lady with farsightedness. She was childless and knew that the property may become a subject of dispute among her descendants. Taking no chances, she created the trust so as to ensure that the rituals continues uninterrupted and Chehlum procession of her Imambara remains popular and famous like her lifetime. She also didn’t want any other person to spend on Marasim-e-Azadari initiated by her family. She donated over 700 houses for the purpose. As a result of provisions made by her, the procession maintains the same splendor, popularity and active participation of devotees. Even though some of its caretakers(Mutwalli) misappropriated funds of the Imambara for about two decades but procession never felt any financial constraint. But those two decades were surely troublesome for the entire trust. Those caretakers offered tenancy to scores of people at nominal rent after pocketing huge sums as Pagri (premium).Fortunately, Shia Wakf Board appointed a young Mutwalli and the move saved Imambara from further damage. The new caretaker Kalbe Abbas has not only renovated the Imambara but also increased its income considerably. He seems to be all set for bringing glory to Imambara the way Hadi Begum Sahiba wanted. The outcome of his efforts was visible in today’s Chehlum procession as it proceeded to Karbala in Gwaltoli from Imambara under renovation in a somber environment. The procession is an integral part of Kanpur’s Muharram heritage. It is the oldest Chehlum procession of  the city and deserves to be protected from those who pretends to be lovers of imam Hussain but does not mind usurping the money earmarked for keeping his memory and message alive till the day of Judgment. Luckily, things are moving in the positive direction with divine backing to prove only how pure the intention of Hadi Begum Sahiba was?(The article is based on the personal research of the blogger. The Photo of the procession has been mailed by Janab Meesum Rizvi)