Mahuram

MAHURAM

April

Mahuram is the date when Muslims commemorate the death of Prophet’s grandson, Hussain. The highlight of this Muslim festival is the Tazia procession, which includes acrobats, drummers and singers, begun in India in 1398 AD under Amir Timur. its historic importance in Ahmedabad is heightened by the fact that Jehangir and Noor Jahan often watched it from the Teen Drawaja or tripple arches.

Miniature replicas of the martyr’s tomb are carried during the Tazia procession. The Tazia is made of bamboo and tinsel, and are double storied dome structures. There is competition among participants to offer the best Tazia, acrobatics, music and gymnastics. Tazia is a Persian term for weeping, and devout followers beat their chests to express grief. The Shiya Muslims fast for 10 days during the festival.