Hindus in Madurai Observe Muharram

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

Despite penetration of Rightists to a certain extent, Hindus continue to exhibit the long-standing tradition of respecting each other's religious faith and rituals by participating in Muharram ceremonies in Madurai district of Tamilnadu-a southern state of India.I n Muthuvanthidal village Hindus even take out Tazia-replica of  Imam Hussain’s mausoleum at Karbala in Iraq.

As part of the observances on the day of mourning, Hindu men walked through a fire pit while women put burning charcoal pieces on their heads in front of the mosque at the village. Hindu women allow their Muslim counterparts to  smear ash on the foreheads of the Hindu community members after they had walked through the fire pit. Muslims believe that this ceremony protects them from various diseases.

According to locals, Hindus and Muslims observe all the festivals and rituals together for the centuries. Before starting paddy transplantation, Hindus make a ritual offering of the sapling at the mosque and donate for observance of Muharram after the harvest.

Source ://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/45039840.cms?from=mdr&utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst