BHOPAL — Thousands of devotees participated in Muharram processions across Madhya Pradesh on Friday, commemorating the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain and his companions in the Battle of Karbala.
Processions remained peaceful in most parts of the state, with devotees observing mourning rituals and offering prayers, while isolated incidents of violence were reported from Indore.
Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, holds special significance for Muslims, particularly the Shia community.
The Tazia procession symbolises mourning for Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, who laid down his life at Karbala in 680 AD while resisting tyranny.
Every year, the occasion is marked by ‘matam’, religious sermons, and processions that convey the message of sacrifice, justice, and humanity.
In Bhopal, Tazias, Alams, Burraqs and religious banners were taken out from Fatehgarh, Imami Gate, Hamidia Road, Karond and other localities.
Processions from various Anjumans converged at Imami Gate before proceeding towards Karbala.
Devotees walked barefoot despite the heat, while local residents offered drinking water and washed their feet as a mark of service.
Some participants carried posters condemning terrorism and violence, referring to incidents in Pahalgam, Manipur, Palestine and Iran.
A few youths were also seen wearing T-shirts carrying the image of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
However, a Muharram procession in Indore’s Sarafa area was marred by violence on Thursday night.
Police said a minor collision between two youths in the crowd led to an argument, following which three minor brothers were allegedly attacked with knives.
An FIR has been registered against two named accused and their associates under charges including attempted murder.
Police are also examining a viral video showing a clash between two groups near Rajwada during the procession.
Additional DCP Amarendra Singh told reporters on Friday that 15 people have been arrested during overnight action and recovered knives from some of them.
