The month of Muharram, which also heralds the start of the new (lunar) year in Islam, is observed by Shia Muslims all over the globe as a commemoration of the martyrdom of the Prophet Mohammad’s grandsons, Imam Hasan and Imam Hussain, at Karbala. A thriving group that adheres to its rituals and traditions while retaining a touch of Indianness, the Shia population in India is thought to make up between 10 and 15 per cent of the Muslim population.

The month of Muharram is a time when Shia Muslims fast and observe traditional mourning throughout numerous cities, towns, and villages. Alum is the name of the flags carried throughout the march. It was created in honour of the army’s banner of Imam Hussain in Karbala. Bamboo is typically used to make alums. While some of the alums shown during the Muharram parade are huge enough to be carried by a group of people, others are small enough to be conveniently held in one hand.

The procession is led by people carrying large torches. The procession also includes a horse. Imam Hussain’s horse was called Zuljanah. For the parade, a superb horse is chosen. A headpiece is placed on the horse’s back, and the animal is ornamented. It is particularly carefully cared for because it is said to be Hazrat Imam Hussain’s horse. Milk and jalebis are fed to it. In the month of Muharram, no one is permitted to use it. The procession also includes turbats.

A turbat, or memorial burial, is built in honour of the Karbala martyrs. In Tazia, there are two turbats preserved. One turbat dedicated to Imam Hasan is green in colour to symbolise his poisoned death. Because Imam Hussain was killed while on his knees and his body turned crimson from blood, his turbat, or grave, is red. A gahwara is also shown during the procession (cradle). This is in remembrance of the martyrdom of Ali Asghar, the Imam Hussain’s six-month-old son who was shot by an arrow.
In the Muharram procession, a pot with mehendi (henna) that has been set up on a chowki (low-lying table) is also carried. The battle of Karbala is reported to have taken place the day after Qasim, the son of Imam Hasan, wed. Mehendi is a representation of the wedding festivities. It appears that when Abbas was killed, he was on his way to provide water for Sukaina, the Imam Hussain’s daughter.

A mashq (an animal skin bag used to carry water) is also a part of the parade in remembrance of this. In addition, the procession includes an Ammari, a guarded vehicle that was often used by Arab women to travel. They frequently walk across burning coals. The unique feature is that the fire does not burn their feet. They move as though they were walking on a smooth surface. On top of the blazing embers, some individuals spread musalla (Mat) to give namaz. The mat is thought to be undamaged and unharmed by the cinders. Self-inflicted wounds are healed when people apply the soil of Karbala to them.

To feel the sorrow that Imam Husain and Imam Hassan and their family through in Karbala. On the tenth of Muharram, Tazia, who represents Imam Hussain when fasting, is taken out. It is constructed of coloured paper, mica, and wood. It may be made by craftsmen in any size and to their own specifications. There is a dome on each taziya. Throughout ancient times, India has had a custom of honouring its deceased. Shradha is one such Hindu ceremony that is used to show respect and appreciation for the ancestors.

The present generation is seen to owe obligations to their forebears because of them. To express their appreciation to their ancestors, people fast and do acts of charity on the days of Shraddha. Similar to how Hindus avoid scheduling any auspicious events like weddings, parties, etc. during Sharadha, Shia and those Muslims who have a deep affection for Imam Hussain refrain from doing anything joyful from Muharram until Chehlum. Over the first ten days of Muharram, many even refrain from purchasing new clothing, jewellery, and other items. In India, it is customary to bring out processions of deities since earliest times.

The Jagannath Puri chariot festivities in Odisha are well known worldwide. Similar to how Lord Ganesh is carried out in procession on Ganesh Chaturthi and Lady Durga is carried out on Vijaydashami during the Dugra Puja celebration. Shiva’s Shobha Yatra is conducted on Shivratri, whereas Krishna’s Shobha Yatra is conducted on Janmashtami. The Shobha Yatras are conducted in a mood of gladness, in contrast to the Muharram procession, which is conducted in a sense of mourning.

The taziya are buried during Muharram, and the statues of Ganesha and Durga are submerged in water. Hindus take part in the Muharram parade as well. Hindus also accept tabarukh, or holy food, which is given out during Muharram with great devotion.

Hindu ladies, according to Tahira of Shikarpur in Uttar Pradesh, are Tabarukh-obsessed. Tahira responded that she keeps the rice of Tabarukh dry when asked what she does with it. She gives him a few grains of rice when one of her kids is sick. This heals the youngster.

Indians of all religions exhibit a special level of dedication. In this nation, the earth is referred to as mother earth since it sustains us. Our speciality and this is Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb is respecting each other’s faith and customs.