Muharram in Sultanganj: Tazia Processions Held with Devotion, Chants of 'Ya Hussain' Resonate Throughout the Town
Sultanganj (Bhagalpur): The 10th day of Muharram (Ashura) was observed in the town of Sultanganj with great devotion and in a peaceful atmosphere. Tazia processions taken out by various akhadas (groups) in the town refreshed the memories of the martyrdom of Imam Hussain and the martyrs of Karbala. The entire town resonated with chants of 'Ya Hussain' and 'Ya Ali'.
A Confluence of Tradition and Faith
On the occasion of the 10th day of Muharram, crowds of devotees began gathering at the Imambaras in various neighborhoods from the morning. After the afternoon, Tazia processions were taken out by various akhadas in the traditional manner. Youths and members of the akhada committees participating in the procession displayed their traditional skills with sticks and sword fighting, which remained a major attraction of the Muharram procession.
Those participating in the procession were mourning in memory of the martyrs of Karbala. The entire atmosphere was imbued with feelings of respect and grief for the martyrdom of Imam Hussain. Passing through the main routes of the town, the procession moved from the Imambara towards the Karbala grounds.
Administrative Vigilance and Strict Security Arrangements
The administration remained very vigilant regarding Muharram this year. Police forces were deployed in the sensitive areas of the town. Under the leadership of the Sultanganj Police Station Officer, a police team accompanied the procession to ensure that security arrangements remained in place.
Surveillance via CCTV and Drones: The administration kept a constant watch on crowded areas through CCTV cameras and drones.
Peace Committee Initiative: To ensure no untoward incident occurred during the procession, members of the peace committee also played an active role in collaboration with the administration.
Monitoring Social Media: The administration's cyber team kept a complete watch on social media so that no rumors or offensive posts could spread.
A Unique Example of Brotherhood
The Muharram procession in Sultanganj was not limited to the Muslim community alone. At various places along the route, people from other communities had also arranged for sherbet and water for the devotees participating in the procession. This scene presented an example of the town's Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb (syncretic culture) and mutual brotherhood. Public representatives and distinguished citizens also welcomed the procession and contributed to maintaining peace and order.
Burial at Karbala
By late evening, the Tazias from all the akhadas reached the Karbala grounds situated in the town. Here, Fatiha Khwani and special prayers were organized. After this, the Tazias were buried (Supurd-e-Khak) with full ritual and devotion. With the immersion of the Tazias into the soil of Karbala, the 10-day mourning but devotion-filled observance of Muharram concluded.
The block administration and members of the peace committee thanked the organizers of all the akhada committees and stated that the people of Sultanganj have once again proven how committed they are to peace and harmony. Peace prevailed in all the Imambaras of the town until late at night.
