Lucknow: Thousands of mourners dressed in black, walking barefoot and carrying black flags, thronged the streets on Wednesday to participate in the ‘Shahi Zari Ka Juloos’, marking the first day of Muharram, the Islamic month of mourning.
Historical Tradition
The 186-year-old tradition was initiated by Nawab Mohammad Ali in 1837. It commemorates the martyrdom of Prophet Mohammad’s grandson Imam Hussain and his 72 companions during the battle of Karbala on the 10th of Muharram. The procession also signifies the beginning of Azadari (mourning) for Shia Muslims throughout the holy month.
Procession Route
The grand procession started from Bada Imambara and proceeded towards Chhota Imambara, passing through Rumi Gate, Ghantaghar, and Hussainabad. Along the entire route, large crowds lined both sides of the road to witness the royal spectacle.
Emotional Moments
As the royal ‘zarih’ was brought out, chants of “Ya Hussain, Ya Hussain” filled the air. At the sight of the 22-foot-tall wax ‘zarih’ and the 15-foot ‘abrak zarih’, many devotees were overcome with emotion, with tears welling up in their eyes.
Grand Escort and Symbols
The procession was escorted by seven decorated elephants and 16 camels. Traditional instruments such as dhol, shehnai, and jhanjhar were played as the procession advanced. Flags bearing symbols of the lion, moon, and stars were carried. Zuljanah, the horse of Imam Hussain, along with alam (Islamic flag) and taboot (coffin), was also part of the procession.
Special Commemorations
The juloos featured ‘Janab-e-Ali Asghar Ka Jhoola’, commemorating the six-month-old son of Imam Hussain, who was martyred by a poisoned arrow while in his father’s arms.
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