Tuesday 8 November 2016

400- Year Old Haloka Tazia- Symbol of Hindu-Muslim Unity



Haloka Tazia Moving in Procession 

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi
Haloka Tazia of Nasik city of Indian state of Maharashtra is a fine example of Hindu –Muslim Unity for the past 400 years. The Tazia is prepared jointly by Hindu and Muslim devotees and considered to be the senior most among Tazias taken out in Nasik during Muharram. The devotees prepare it in Imamshahi Ashurkhana(Imambargah) located in old Nasik locality and received salutation from other Tazias  when it is carried in a procession. Apart from Muslims, thousands of Hindus are also followers of Tazia. It is the Hindus who list Tazia after its completion on 1st day of Muharram and place it in Ashurkhana so as to enable people to have a glimpse (Darshan or Ziarat) of it. Hindu devotees shoulder Tazia on 7th of Muharram and again on Yaum-e-Ashura. They have been doing so for the past four centuries uninterrupted. In Nasik, it is the only Tazia that is buried whereas its other counterparts are usually immersed in Godavari.
For the past several generations, Noor family of Nasik has been the custodian of Haloka Tazia. It is they who reveals the history of Haloka Tazia and rituals associated with it. The tremendous popularity of Haloka Tazia among Hindus is miraculous and symbolizes how deeply the martyrdom of Imam Hussain has inspired people irrespective of caste, creed, religion or region. People of Nasik is proud of Haloka Tazia and considers it as their pride and honor. Their love for Imam Hussain  becomes more praiseworthy, considering the status of  Nasik as one of the most holiest cities of Hindus and that also hosts ‘Kumbha’ after every 12 years.(References available on request. Photo Courtesy Google Images)     


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