Thousands of mourners participated in the annual Bibi ka Alam procession held on Friday to mark Youm-e-Ashoora, the 10th day of Muharram.
The city witnessed solemn observances, with special prayers, religious gatherings, food distribution camps and acts of charity organised at various locations in remembrance of the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain.
Popularly referred to as Muharram, the day commemorates the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, in the historic Battle of Karbala.
To observe the occasion, special religious meetings were conducted in different parts of the city. Food camps served devotees and the needy, while youngsters distributed sherbet through temporary kiosks. Groups of volunteers also visited hospitals and old age homes to distribute cooked food and fruits.
The historic Bibi ka Alam procession commenced from Bibi ka Alawa at Dabeerpura at around 1 pm. The procession passed through Shaik Faiz Kaman, Yakutpura Road, Etebar Chowk, Alijah Kotla, Charminar, Gulzar Houz, Panjeshah, Mandi Mir Alam and Darulshifa before culminating at Masjid-e-Ilahi in Chaderghat in the evening.
As part of the long-standing tradition, elephant Sreedevi carried the revered Bibi ka Alam during the procession.
Thousands of grieving members of the Shia community participated in the procession, performing maatam (chest beating) while chanting “Ya Hussain.” Large crowds lined the procession route, and eminent personalities along with government officials offered dhatti to the Bibi ka Alam at various locations.
Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar, along with senior officials, offered dhatti to the Bibi ka Alam near Charminar. Several smaller processions from different parts of the city joined the main procession. The Hyderabad Police made elaborate security and traffic arrangements to ensure the peaceful and smooth conduct of the procession.
