Muharram rituals with virus protocols

The centuries-old Muharram procession of Hyderabad will not be the same this year due to Covid-19 surge and the traditional rituals involving elegies, self-flagellation and rhythmic chest-beating may not be held at all considering Covid-19 protocols. Shia Muslims hold special ceremonies during the first Islamic month, which starts on August 21 (depending on the sighting of the moon). There are fewer chances of allowing the elephant for ‘Bibi ka Alam’ and self-flagellation on roads during the central procession.

A final decision will be taken at a high-level meeting on Tuesday under the chairmanship of minister for minorities welfare Koppula Eshwar. In the meeting, standard operating procedures (SOPs) will be finalised. This year the number of participants may be reduced. According to sources in the minorities welfare department, this year social distancing is to be be observed, wearing masks is mandatory and no one will be allowed to enter ashoorkhanas without a mask.

In ashoorkhanas, carpets will be removed and sitting places should be clearly marked. Touching of the alam and tazia should be avoided and ziyarat (homage) should be done from a distance.

Thousands of Shia Muslims from different parts of the state gather for mass mourning rituals on the tenth day of Muharram during the Bibi ka Alam procession in Hyderabad, which will probably fall on August 30. Artisans began galvanising the ornaments of the alam.