The city appears sad and in a state of mourning, as Muharram-related events gain momentum with two days left until Youm-e-Ashur. The black colour becomes more evident in the city, as people irrespective of any sect mourn the martyrdom of the Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) grandson Imam Hussain (RA).
Anywhere one goes in the city, banners of mourning the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA) are reminding people of the historic battle between Umayyad caliph Yazeed and Imam Hussain (RA). Special observances of the Shia sect during Ashura have gained momentum, as the Youm-e-Ashur comes closer.
Although majalis begin with sighting of the Muharram moon but gatherings gain momentum in the city near 5th or 6th of Muharram. The attendance in different processions of Muharram in each locality also keeps on multiplying with every passing day.
The topics for each majlis is decided by local Shia organisations and followed by a procession carrying a symbol of any of the martyrs of Karbala, including swing for Ali Asghar (RA) and flag for Abbas (RA). Although the gatherings and processions are carried out in each nook and corner of the city, but the epicenter of observances lies in the Walled City. Sunni clerics, especially Barailvis, also practice some traditions during these days and sweet drinks are distributed among people at shrines and other places of religious gatherings.
But mostly Muharram is about Shia practices of regular congregations, processions, beating chests, reciting elegies, beating backs with sharp chains and black dress throughout Ashura. The city is echoing with sorrowful poetic recitations known as marsiyas and nohas. In many public transport wagons, coaches and rickshaws, recordings of elegies describing the scene of Karbala are on full volume.
Shops of mourning-related items have also done good business in the Walled City. Many also wear “chain ornaments” in Muharram processions to depict the situation of Imam Hussain’s (RA) martyrdom at Karbala.
Such chain ornaments sets are available for prices ranging between Rs 500 to 1,500 while steel bangles worn on the wrist are being sold between Rs 20 to Rs 100 depending on their material, design and the area where the shop is situated. The prices of hand-shaped symbol of Abbas’ flag have also increased and extra Rs 200 to 300 are being charged for it.
The biggest procession in the city is brought out from Nisar Haveli on Youm-e-Ashur which culminates at Karbala Gaamy Shah while 9th Muharram’s main procession will be taken out from Islampura. Security arrangements have also been tightened in the city since beginning of the month and special measures are taken to clear the route of the main procession of Zuljinnah from any mishap. The Punjab government also called up rangers to maintain law and order and avoid any sectarian clash or terrorist activity.
Roads leading to the congregation are closed for traffic and only pedestrians are allowed after passing through checking. The Lahore commissioner also directed officers on Saturday to set up a separate cabin for checking women at all shrines in the city. Directions were also issued to ensure use of standard products in the food distributed in connection with Muharram observances.
He claimed that all cameras installed for security of Muharram processions were in a working condition and could record for as long as 15 days. Shrines of Data Ganj Bakhsh, Pir Makki, Bibi Pak Daman, Shah Jamal, Mian Mir, Haider Sayeen, Charagh Hussain and Inayat Shah Qadri were potential places for terrorist attacks and their security needed to be ensured. Cinemas and theatres will also remain closed during Youm-e-Ashur while producers and actors have postponed their shootings and holding majalis at their residences.
