For Hussaini brahmans, it’s Muharram as usual

NEW DELHI: As Muharram passed off peacefully in the capital amid heavy police presence on Tuesday, a group of brahmans in east Delhi were wondering what the tension was all about. Like every year, these Hindus took out a Muharram taziya of their own in Kalyanpuri, crying and beating their chests in ritual mourning that marks the occasion.

The community proudly claims that one of their ancestors, Rahib Datt, fought in the Karbala battle on the side of Imam Hussain and even sacrificed his sons in the conflict. Ever since that historic battle, they came to be known as Hussaini brahmans.

Their procession looks like any other, except that they don't use swords and knives. Rajinder Kumar, a resident of Shadipur depot who has headed the Kalyanpuri taziya for two decades, said his ancestors have been observing Muharram and so will his descendants.

READ ALSO: Muharram observed amid tight security in Delhi

"We believe that both Hindus and Muslims should follow each other's rituals and traditions. Our community observes Muharram and women keep fasts just as Muslims do," Kumar said.

Women clad in black saris take part in the Muharram procession

Mangal Koli, beating his chest throughout the procession from Kalyanpuri till the Mayur Vihar Karbala, said that when he was a kid he saw his father do the same. Now he and his brother participate in the taziyas. "We are mostly followers of Sai Baba and mourn the death of our ancestors who fought in the Battle of Karbala along with Imam Hussein."

READ ALSO: In Trilokpuri, Hindus add sherbet to march

Women clad in black saris also take part in the procession, unlike in Muslim processions. They fast in the hope of being blessed with a child and once the wish is fulfilled they go to Shirdi. "Mostly newly married women take part in the procession," said Rajvanti.

Poeple from different community join hands during a Muharram procession from Trilokpuri to Mayur Vihar area in New Delhi

The community probably originated in Punjab and consists of seven Brahman lineages that left their priestly occupation to serve as soldiers and in government service. They are also known as Muhiyals.

The Battle of Karbala was fought on the 10th day of Muharram in 680 AD in Karbala, now in Iraq. The battle was fought between supporters and relatives of Prophet Muhammed's grandson Hussain ibn Ali on one side and the Umayyad Caliph, Yazid, on the other.

READ ALSO: After Bawana, other Delhi areas tense on Muharram-eve

Surprisingly, even Muslims residing near the Mayur Vihar Karbala don't know about Hindus carrying out Muharram processions. Ayub Hussain, living in Chilla village, was a part of the taziya in front of Rajinder's. When he got to know about Hindus also taking part in Muharram, he was shocked. Some Muslims initially thought that Hindus from Trilokpuri had come to ensure things are carried out smoothly.

"We have been taking out taziyas for years but we didn't know even Hindus also observe Muharram," Ayub said.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/followceleb.cms?alias=Muharram taziya,Muharram,Karbala battle,Imam Hussain,Hussaini Brahmins

Stay updated on the go with The Times of India's mobile apps. Click here to download it for your device.

Anda sedang membaca artikel tentang

For Hussaini brahmans, it’s Muharram as usual

Dengan url

http://sehatnyasusu.blogspot.com/2014/11/for-hussaini-brahmans-itas-muharram-as.html

Anda boleh menyebar luaskannya atau mengcopy paste-nya

For Hussaini brahmans, it’s Muharram as usual

namun jangan lupa untuk meletakkan link

For Hussaini brahmans, it’s Muharram as usual

sebagai sumbernya