Dr. Mazhar Naqvi
Muslims constitute
around 2 per cent of the total population of Indian province of Odisha(Formerly
known as Orissa) yet participation of Hindus in Muharram ceremonies reflects
the secular fabric. Demonstrating communal
harmony, hundreds of Hindus join Muharram processions in Orissa every year as
part of their centuries old tradition. They do so at various places with
Sambalpur district putting up the most impressive performance as always. The
Hindus mourn the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain, grandson of Prophet Mohammed(PBUH)
like Hussaini Muslims.
In
the western town of Sambalpur, Tazia (replica of the Imam Hussain’s shrine) is
being taken out by a Hindu family for the past 310 years. The family of Lal
Mohan Padhihary began Tazia procession when his ancestors undertook a
pilgrimage to holy Mecca and Medina and got their wish fulfilled. Since
then, procession has never been interrupted and family remains committed to carry
on the tradition despite opposition from rightists who have been able to
penetrate into the political scenario of the state in a big way of late.
Source IANS
Source IANS
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