|
Muslim Festivals
The principal festivals of the Muslim community are Mohurrum,
Iduzzoha, Idul-fitr and the prophets birthday. The Mohurrum festival commemorates
the martyrdom of the prophets grandson's, Hasan and Husain in a battle
at Karbala in Arabia. The Sunni sect of Muslims carry, in a warlike procession
enacting mock fights and exhibitions of prowess in which lathi and sword
play form a major role. Replicas of the tombs of the slain heroes are
made and later immersed in a specially designated tank. It was customary
for Hindus to take part in the processions. The Shia sect also take out
mourning processions with men and women dressed in black and singing marsia
or specially composed elegies. Marsia sessions are also held in assemblies
where Urdu elegies are sung or recited.
Idul-Fitr marks the conclusion of a month of fasts (Ramzan)
and is comparable in the splendour of celebrations to the Durga Puja of
the Hindus. Wearing of New clothes is a must and after the special morning
prayer which are joined by every male in front of a mosque or in an open
space, there is a general round of embracing. It is a day of feasting
and quiet merriment, assembles for religious discourses being a main part
of the days observances.
Iduzzoha (Idul-Korbab) or Bakr-Id is the other compulsory
celebration of Muslims, when animal sacrifice is made. The mythological
basis of the observance, older than Islam is related to Prophet Abraham
of the old testament.
|
