‘Bibi ka Alam’ on a van this yr

Mourners are not allowed at the commencement of procession

Hyderabad police commissioner Anjani Kumar keeping alive a centuriesold tradition finally allowed the historic ‘Bibi ka Alam’ on a van without any procession on Sunday and self-flagellation under police surveillance from Bibi ka Alawa Dabeerpura to Masjid-eIlahi in Chaderghat.

At a meeting of representatives of the Shia community here on Saturday, it was decided not to allow mourners to accompany the Bibi ka Alam. Police authorities have imposed a ban on ceremonies in public places due to Covid pandemic.

The High Court, while disposing of a write petition, directed the police commissioner to consider and pass appropriate orders before August 30, strictly adhering to the guidelines issued by Union home ministry and the Supreme Court.

Sources said the police commissioner convinced the community not to insist on the procession and to refrain from congregating at public places.

However, Anjani Kumar said that as maintaining the centuries-old tradition was a necessity, Bibi ka Alam can be carried out in a van with a few stakeholders from Bibi ka Alawa to Masjid-eIlahi with a single stop at Alawa Qadam-e-Rasool.

No mourners will be allowed at the commencement of Alam.

Moulana Syed Waheeduddin Hyder Jafry, secretary and patron of Anjuman-E-Alavi Shia Imamia Athna Ashari Akbari, appealed to the Shia community to avoid gathering at Bibi ka Alawa.

The Shia leader appealed to the community members to do ‘matam’ (mourning) in Ashoorkhanas or community spaces or at their respective homes and cooperate with police.