Elephant From Kerala To Take Part in Muharram Procession
Hyderabad: As the month of Muharram begins with the sighting of the Moon on Tuesday, the uncertainty over whether elephants will be present for the traditional Bibi ka Alam procession has been eliminated. On the special request of the state government and HEH Nizam Awqaf committee, the elephant will come from Kozhikode to carry Alam on the 10th day.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, minister Mohammed Azharuddin said that the elephant was secured after eleventh hour efforts. “The elephant will reach the city in the next three days due to permission from the forest department,” Azharuddin said. “Next year we will have our own elephant for the Bibi Ka Alam parade and other important historical festivities in the city,” he said.
It was planned to rehearse with an elephant along the march route on the 4th or 6th Muharram, depending on the permission of the police.
“A veterinarian will first check the health condition of the elephant upon its arrival,” said Syed Ali Jaffry, the representative lawyer of the HEH Nizam Evkaf committee.
Once the police complete the formalities, the elephant will be transported to Purani Haveli on the day of Youm-e-Ashura (June 26), the 10th Muharram. The committee will formally hand over the keys to the mujawar (caretaker) of Bibi ka Alawa in the presence of local police and revenue officials. “We hope that some of the landmarks on the historic route that were missed during last year’s parade will be included this time. We are trying our best to finish it on time,” Jaffry said.
On the day of Youm-e-Ashura, Azharuddin is likely to present dhatti (a sacred offering of fine cloth or silk gifted to Bibi Ka Alam) along with other public representatives and high-ranking officials.
Jaffry denied claims that PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) had offered the Foundation Board any ‘mechanical elephant’ for the parade. “The Foundation Board has not received any letter regarding such a move by PETA. This could just be a public relations stunt,” he added.
