Alam Hazrat Abbas & Dariyawali Masjid

Entrance of Dariyawali Masjid -Lucknow

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

Azadars in Lucknow have a special attachment with Dariyawali Masjid. They love it for its association with the historic Dariyai Alam that is also known as Alam Fateh-Furat. The Alam originates from the Masjid after Maghrib prayers on 8^th of Muharram in memory of Hazrat Abbas Alamdar and proceeds to Imambara Ghufraan-Maab. Due to participation of a large number of devotees, the procession ranks as one of the largest in India.

The Masjid was erected by Marhoom Ramzan Ali Khan Sahib on the bank of Gomti river.Now it is located in the middle of road connecting Hazratganj and Teeliwali Masjid in the wake of construction of a new road between the river and Masjid to control flood. Though built by Khan Sahib, it became popular when Dariyai Alam procession began from here in 19^th century. Being located on the river bank, people found it call it as Dariyawali Masjid.  

During the reign of   Nawab Asafuddaula, a temporary market used to come up around the Masjid. Craftsmen from all creed and religions used to come to market with beautiful Tazias, Zarihs, Patkas, Perfumes and scents to please their Nawab who used to visit the market and offer gold, silver and gems to craftsmen for their work. With the passage of time, market around the Masjid became a thing of past and today Kazmain is the largest market of items associated with Azadari.

Alam Fateh Furat Originating from Dariyawali Masjid 

Dariyawali Masjid was a simple structure a few years ago. But now it has been renovated and become a beautiful mosque, containing sacred Rauza of Hazrat Abbas (A.S.).While Masjid used to buzz with activities only on 8^th of Muharram every year a few years ago, it remains in news now throughout the year. Not only Majalis are held here on regular basis after renovation and expansion, it attracts large number of visitors on each Thursday. It is also used as a point of origin of protests lodged by Imamis concerning their various religious and socio-political issues.(References available on request. Photo by Blogger)