Latest news with #Moharram
Hans India
3 days ago
- General
- Hans India
Streets of Old City all set to come alive with 2-day Bonalu festivities
Hyderabad: The 400-year-old Sri Akkanna-Madanna Mahankali Mandiram is set to celebrate its 77th annual Bonalu and Mahankali Jathara festival on a grand scale this year. The temple, situated at Hari Bowli in Shalibanda, holds significant historical importance and has been the starting point of the annual Bonalu procession for over seven decades. In anticipation of the Bonalu festivities in the Old City, the Akkanna Madanna Mahankali Mandiram has made comprehensive arrangements for the successful conduct of the festival. Lakshmi, an elephant belonging to Sri Karibasava Swamy Mutt at Horapete in Tumkur, Karnataka, will participate, carrying the Ghatam in the Old City Bonalu Procession. Notably, the elephant recently carried Bibi-ka-Alam in the Moharram procession. Bonalu is celebrated in the month of Ashada, typically falling around July-August. It is primarily a commemoration of the Goddess, to appease her and express gratitude for fulfilled wishes. Alongside Yellamma, other forms of the Goddess such as Maisamma, Pochamma, Peddamma, Dokkalamma, Ankalamma, Poleramma, Maremma, and Nookalamma are worshipped during this period. For this year's celebrations, the temple committee is coordinating all arrangements with the assistance of the Police, GHMC, Endowment Department, Electricity, HMWSSB, R&B, Forest, and other government departments to ensure large-scale festivities and a grand procession, which is scheduled for 21 July. According to the committee, steps have been taken to ensure devotees from the twin cities and neighbouring districts visiting the temple for blessings can have Darshan of Matha without inconvenience. While other arrangements proceeded smoothly, there was initial anxiety among devotees regarding the elephant's participation with the Matha Ghatam in the procession. 'The elephant will participate in the Bonalu procession of Sri Nalla Pochamma Temple, Sabzimandi, on Sunday (20 July) and on Monday (21 July) in the Old City Bonalu Procession of Sri Akkanna Madanna Mahankali Mandiram,' informed SP Kranti Kumar, Temple Committee Organising Secretary. The Bonalu festival commenced earlier this month with MaahaAbhishekam to Sri Mahankali Matha and Kalasha Sthapana, followed by Dwajarohana. It will conclude on 21 July, after the PotharajuSwagatham and Rangam, when the Matha Ghatam will be taken out in a procession on a fully decorated elephant, Lakshmi. The 11-day festival officially ends on 22 July with 'AshthadalaPhadapadmaradhanPavithrosthavam'. Meanwhile, the Simhavahini Sri Mahankali Temple in Lal Darwaza, Old City, has also made all necessary arrangements for the festival. Temple committee member K Venkatesh stated that the temple annually witnesses a large congregation of devotees, and arrangements are in place with the help of various departments. 'These Bonalu festivities witness a congregation of devotees not only from the City, but from across neighbouring states including Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra and also Tamil Nadu. Hence, we are ensuring all the arrangements are in place,' he said. Venkatesh added, 'The tradition of Lal Darwaza Bonalu celebrations began during the time of Nizam VI Mir Mahboob Ali Khan. This year the celebrations will complete 117 years. History shows that many kings, politicians and ministers offered silk garments and jewellery to the goddess. The tradition of presenting silk robes to the goddess on behalf of the government is being continued.' On Friday, Hyderabad district collector Harichandana, along with other officers, visited the Lal Darwaza temple. They reviewed the security and traffic arrangements being made for the Bonalu festival, which will be held on Sunday. Police officials have coordinated with several other departments, including endowments, revenue, electricity, waterworks, R&B, and GHMC, to ensure the smooth conduct of the festival. A review was conducted on arrangements for law and order, traffic, queue lines for devotees, medical facilities, barricading, media points, electricity, and water supply. All concerned departments were instructed to make appropriate arrangements to prevent any inconvenience to devotees.
India Today
5 days ago
- India Today
478 in custody for misbehaving with women during Bonalu, Moharram celebrations
The Hyderabad City Police's SHE teams caught 478 individuals for misbehaving with women at key temple locations across the city during the recent Bonalu and Moharram action was taken as part of the enforcement drive during celebrations at Golconda Bonalu, Balkampet Yellamma Temple, and Secunderabad Ujjaini Mahankali Temple. Those apprehended included 386 adults and 92 enhance security during the festive period, 14 SHE teams were deployed across major congregation points. The teams took preventive and responsive measures against incidents of harassment and misbehaviour. According to the Women Safety Wing, 288 individuals were let off with warnings but four were booked under petty cases, resulting in fines totalling Rs 1,050. Five cases ended in convictions with one offender receiving a jail sentence and fine. Eight FIRs were registered at various police stations in the In addition to enforcement, the SHE teams conducted widespread awareness initiatives such as 124 programs in schools, colleges, and public areas, apart from the 1,405 surveillance checks carried out at public spots along with 352 audio-visual awareness drives were conducted using mobile AV SHE Team initiative was launched by the Telangana government on October 24, 2014, to provide a safe and secure environment for women in the state. 'SHE Teams are engaged in round the clock surveillance of the city by mapping out 'hotspots' and 'hot timings' where offenders pounce on unsuspecting victims,' the Hyderabad police website for the specialised team stated.- Ends
News18
07-07-2025
- General
- News18
No Muslim Households, But This Karnataka Village Observes Muharram With Great Devotion
Last Updated: For three days, the community reverently installs and worships 'Alaidevru' In a remarkable display of interfaith harmony and cultural inclusivity, the Banjara community of Shirihalli Thanda in Shivamogga district's Shikaripura taluk observed Muharram with immense devotion, despite there being no Muslim households in their village. The observance, entirely led by the Banjara community, underscores a deep-rooted tradition of unity and mutual respect. For three days, the community reverently installs and worships 'Alaidevru'. It culminates on the third day with a procession where villagers offer prayers and express their devotion. During the procession, the air resonates with traditional Banjara songs and devotional hymns, adding a unique cultural flavour to the observance of Moharram. This annual event not only showcases the Banjara community's unwavering faith but also sends a powerful message of communal amity and shared cultural heritage. Their heartfelt observance of Moharram truly embodies the spirit of interfaith coexistence. The Banjara community, also known as Lambanis, are a prominent tribal group in Karnataka and other parts of India, historically known for their nomadic trading lifestyle.
Hans India
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Moharram observed on solemn note in Banaganapalle
Banaganapalle, (Nandyal district): The Moharram (Shahadat) observances, marking the martyrdom of Prophet Muhammad's grandsons Hasan and Hussain in the Battle of Karbala, concluded solemnly in Banaganapalle on Sunday. The ceremonies, starting June 27, ended with a grand procession reflecting deep mourning and devotion. The Alam (Peer) procession began at Nawab's fort after midday prayers, passing through key areas like post office, Asthanam, circle office, and old bus stand, concluding at Jurre Gattu with ritualistic offerings. Shia community members participated, reciting elegies and performing matam (self-flagellation) with blades to express grief. The Nawab family, including Nawab Mir Fazal Ali Khan and his son Mir Ghulam Ali Khan, joined the event, enhancing its cultural significance. The rites concluded with the ceremonial immersion of the Alams of Hasan, Hussain, and Bibi Fatima at Jurre Gattu, with sacred items preserved in a special box. Cinema halls in Banaganapalle remained closed as a mark of respect. The coalition government supported the observances with a Rs 10 lakh allocation. Roads and Buildings Minister BC Janardhan Reddy inaugurated the ceremonial Alam placement at Nawab's Asthana, highlighting government involvement in this interfaith event, second only to Hyderabad in grandeur. Large crowds from the town and nearby areas attended, showcasing communal harmony. For safety, medical camps were set up at two locations along the procession route, with ambulances available. DSP Srinivasulu, along with Urban and Rural CIs Praveen Kumar, Manjunath Reddy, and CI Prabhakar Reddy from Nandyal, ensured tight security, allowing the event to proceed peacefully.
Hans India
07-07-2025
- General
- Hans India
Thousands of Muslims mark Ashura with solemnity, remorse
Hyderabad: Hyderabad observed 'Youm-e-Ashura', the 10th day of the Islamic month Moharram with due solemnity, somberness and mourning in remembrance of the martyrdom of Prophet Mohammed's grandson, Imam Hussain, his family and companions in the battle of Karbala in 680 AD. Amid tight security, thousands of Shia Muslims took part in the historic 'Bibi-ka-Alam' procession in Old City on Sunday. Hyderabad Deccan is one of the prominent cities in India where there is a long tradition of Moharram mourning. 'Bibi-ka-Alam' attracts attention as the most visible Alam (replica) of the Deccan's tradition, there are numerous other places or Ashoorkhanas where alams are installed and people in thousands throng them. It was all black and blood as a mood of Shia Muslims mourning and passing through the lanes in the Old City, where the Bibi-ka-Alam, the traditional mourning procession was taken from Bibi-ka-Alawa in Dabeerpura to Masjid-e-Ilahi in Chaderghat near Musi on an elephant 'Lakshmi' which was brought from Karnataka. En route the procession, amid cries of 'Ya Hussain' and recitation of Marsiyas (elegies) and Nuoha-khwani (poems expressing sorrow), the barefoot self-flagellating with chains and swords in remembrance of the Martyrs. Water and juices made-up of milk and jaggery were distributed from the water sabeels set up at various places in the Old City, which has the second highest population of Shia Muslims in the country after Lucknow. Bibi-ka-Alawa houses the Alam, believed to contain a piece of wooden plank on which Prophet Mohammed's daughter Bibi Fatima Zehra, was given the final ablution, was carried on caparisoned elephant. Historically, the 'Alam' was brought from Karbala to Hyderabad during the reign of Qutub Shahi dynasty. The Alam was preserved in the calligraphy with Arabic lettering of Allah, Prophet Mohammed and Hazrath Imam Ali. It was later covered with an alloy of metals and gold. Six green pouches in the shape of earrings containing precious gems were secured on both sides of the Alam, which is kept under the strict vigil of the police security. Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy said that Moharram symbolises sacrifice and tolerance. In a message to mark the Youm-e-Ashura, the Chief Minister said that Moharram serves as a bridge for unity and harmony among people, regardless of their caste and religion. Starting from Bibi-ka-Alawa in Dabeerpura the procession passed through Yakutpura, it stopped at the Ashoorkhana 'Khadam-e-Rasool' where the footprints of Prophet Mohammed are displayed. The next stop was at Peeli gate in Purani Haveli, where one of the members of the Nizam's family offered 'Dhatti' to the Alam and it concluded at Chaderghat. The Nizam IX, Nawab Mir Mohammed Azmet Ali Khan offered traditional 'Dhatti' and 'Nazrana' to Bibi-ka-Alam. The Hyderabad City police commissioner CV Anand along with the other police officers offered Datti to the Alam near Charminar and remained with the procession, till it passed from the historic Charminar. Over 3,000 police personnel along with the RAF were deployed along the Alam's route to keep vigil of the precious gems mounted on the elephant along with Alam. A medical emergency was also deployed during the mourning procession.
