Imambargah Rafeeq Hussain with Unique 'Patkas'

Zuljinah at Imambara Mir Rafeeq in Zaidpur

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

Imambara Mir Rafeeq Husain has the unique distinction of having costliest ‘Patkas’ perhaps in India. It is also one of the most popular Imambaras of Zaidpur. It is situated in the north of the town famous for its Muharram rituals and richly decorated Imambaras with holy relics. Also known as ‘Sarkar-E-Hussaini’, four eminent Muhibs (admirers ) of Shohda(martyrs)-e-Karbala, namely,  Syed Jawed Husain, Syed Tayeed Husain, Syed Saeed Husain and Syed Rasheed Husain had laid down the foundation stone of Imambara  in 1306 Hijri (1891 A.D.).Its completion took place about four years and like its other counterparts in Zaidpur, no architect prepared its design and local masons erected it in compliance of the wishes of the builders. The Imambara also has one big and four small shahnasheens. Two big halls, close to it large platform, high up to a large lawn and two symmetrical sahenchis in front to each other also exist at Imambara. It too boasts of Chandeliers procured from  Belgium, England and France. Mirrors of big size and rare glassware add grace to the interior of Imambara.

The most noteworthy attraction of Imambara are   twenty Shahi Patkas (royal flags) made of Gold with embroidery of highest standard. Each Patka’s cost runs into lakhs in view of rare work on it and inability of current artisans to produce the work of the same class. Apart from these 20 rare patkas , Imambara also has  about hundred Alams of  big and small sizes, all made up of silver, bronze and copper metals.In addition there are Morpankhi, Mahi-Maratib, Aaftaba , Six 6 wooden Tazias and 1 Mojiza ka Alam (Miraculous Standard).

The Imambara hosts a procession in memory of Hazrat Sakina, young daughter of Imam Hussain.The procession is known as Julus ‘Saqqa-E-Sakina’ and taken out on 7^th Muharram. Procession are taken out on Yaum-e-ashura and 22^nd Safar as well. Imambara also hosts Majlis-Shaam-e-Ghareeban. Torchlight procession is another attraction of Imambara. Zuljinah (Horse of imam Hussain) is also famous of this Imambara in view of its  decoration with beautifully crafted items like Shileds, Sword , Arrows and chattari(Umbrella).      

The procession of Ashura from this Imambara merged with  Julus coming out of Imambara Mir  Ainul Husain since  1966 and locals call both the processions as called as Mamu-Bhanje ka Juloos.On the 12th Muharram a Lungari Majlis also takes place and devotees receive Rotio Gosht( Bread and Mutton) as tabarrruk. All the rituals are organized under management of trustee of Imambara. (Reference available on request. Photo courtesy google Images)