Dr.Mazhar
Naqvi
Guna
district of Madhya Pradesh province in India is without sizable Muslim
population. Yet Muharram is observed with all solemnity and active
participation of Hindus. There are as many as 15 Hindu families which keep
Tazias as a mark of fulfillment of their vows. The oldest Tazia belongs to
Kishan Lal’s family. It was kept over 50 years ago. Kishan Lal was
longing for a son after he was blessed by seven daughters. He vowed to keep Tazia
if blessed by a son. Fortunately, he got his wish fulfilled.
Next
year he kept his promise and kept a Tazia on 9th night of Muharram
known as Qatl Ki Raat or Shabe Ashur about five decades ago. Since then, the
family has kept the tradition alive. In place of Kishan Lal, his son Ram Babu
Haldia is continuing the tradition. He works as a hoe guard and willing to do
so till his last breath. He considers himself as a gift of Imam Hussain and
does not lend ears to those discouraging him from Taziadari.
Guna
is better known as political citadel of Congress leader Jyotimarya Scindia,son of
ex-ruler of Gwalior and Congress
parliamentarian Madhavrao Scindia who had died in a plane crash. Scindia rulers
during their heydays patronized Muharram ceremonies throughout their kingdom.In
Gwalior, Tazia is taken out from the royal family.
Under
the influence of Scindia rulers, despite having low Muslim population, Muharram
is observed with enthusiasm and solemnity till the present era in various parts
of Bundelkhand region.
(Based
on Newspaper reports and personal observation.Photo Courtesy Google Images Viva Video)
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