Moharram in India--I

The 'Sher' (young boys dressed as Tigers) are an integral part of Muharram in Central India and Vidarbha (Maharashtra).

Here is a photograph of the 'shers' in Indore. Though most Sunnis these days are quite prompt in terming them as 'bidah', this aspect of Muharram has always fascinated people from various cross-sections of life.

Many Hindus consider it auspicious to see the Tazia and take their children along who are made to pass under it. And most mainstream Muslims raise eyebrows at the mention of these practices.

While the Shias stick to Azadari and carry alams, the Sunnis (mostly poor ones) and non-Muslims, mostly Hindus, construct tazias that are replica of Imam's Rauza. The tragic events of the battle of Karbala are recounted during the processions that are taken out on the tenth of Islamic month of Muharram ie Yaum-e-Ashura.

(For my post on Muharram last year see in the archive for February 2006 or Click)