JATNI: Muslims, particularly the Shia sect, flagellated their bare skin in rhythm, leaving large red blotches on their chests. Then they began to flagellate themselves with metal chains amidst chanting of 'Ya Hussain' with loud wails. The wounds that these men bore were more than just injuries. They were marks of love for their faith.
Muharram, commemorating the martyrdom of the Prophet Mohammed's grandson Hazrat Imam Hussain, was observed here today.
It is observed with great fervour by the Muslims especially the Shia community here since 1969. Tazias the glittering replicas of the Martyr's tomb were carried in procession through the streets.
During this month, while on a journey, Hazrat Imam Hussain, his family members and a number of his followers were surrounded by the forces of Yazid, the Muslim ruler of the time.
During the siege, they were deprived of food and water and many of them were put to death. The incident happened at a place called Karbala in Iraq in 61st year after Hijra. This dispute was result of a disagreement among Muslims on the question of succession after the demise of Hazrat Ali, the fourth caliph.
The Shias observe this festival in a different manner.
As Muharram, the first month of the Muslim year, approaches, they put on black clothes, as black is regarded as a colour of matam (mourning). On the 10th day of Muharram, large processions are formed and the followers show their grief by inflicting wounds on their own bodies with sharp metal tied to chain with which they scourge themselves. This is done in order to depict the sufferings of the martyrs.
In Jatni town, the pious go to Imambada to offer 'Namaj', they perform rituals and wander in groups after matam. Then around midday they return to the Imambada and bath in fragrant water and have food, which are religious offerings, ending the festival of mourning.
The festival symbolises communal harmony in Jatni as Hindus of the town also participate. "Hindus not just take part in the procession but also donate money for making of tazias," said president of Hussain Imambada Sayed Nausir Ali.
The Sunni Muslims of the town too took out tazia procession in Raja Bazaar, Loco Colony and Gajapati Nagar today. The procession was followed by 'akhada'. At the end of the Muharram, the tazias were immersed in water. Elaborate security arrangements were made to avoid any untoward incident.
