Bibi Ka Alam and Hindu Participation

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

‘Bibi Ka Alam’ is not only the most famous Muharram procession in Hyderabad but occupies a special place of reverence among the admirers of Hazrat Imam Hussain all over the world in view of its association with lady of paradise Hazrat Fatima Zahra(SA).Besides containing a piece of the wooden plank used for giving bath to her blessed body before burial, another feature of Alam (standard) procession is the active participation of Hindus.

Taken out from Bibi Ka Alawa (Imambargah) in Dabeerpura locality of Hyderabad, Hindus attend the procession as Alambardaar(Standard bearer).They throng in thousands to worship the holy relic of Alam since it is believed that a darshan of the Alam give them solace and peace of mind. On Yaum E Ashurta,10th day of Muharram, Hindus visit the shrine and call the occasion as  Peerla Panduga. They respect the sentiments of sorrow of their Muslim brethren  in the solemn procession.

The caretakers of Bibi-ka-Alawa reveal that people from the Yadava community participate in the procession at Yakutpura.They carry wooden sticks with chains strapped to them and chant ‘Ya Hussain’ while making offerings. Some traditions are started by members of certain families. A silk umbrella, presented to the holy relic during the Nizam’s rule , is borne by a man named Narender Goud, whose family has carrying it for centuries. The Mahi Maratib( Royal Insignia), is held atop a camel by Rajendra Das. His father used to do so previously. Thousands of Hindus visit the Bibi-ka-Alawa during the first ten days of Muharram to make offerings. 

They also gather along the procession route to catch a glimpse of it. People from villages come to the city and make offerings to the Alam if their wishes are fulfilled. Some Hindus also distribute free drinking water and soft drinks in the stretch from Gulzar Houz to Panjeshah.Bibi Ka Alam is carried out on a she Elephant and Chief Minister, Police top brass and other prominent citizens make it a point to attend it. Mir Osman Ali Khan had offered priceless gems as offerings to Alam. The relic remains under the protection of CISF round the clock. (Source:Books on the History of  Hyderabad.Photo Courtesy Google Images)