Traditional Muharram procession

The Qazalbash family in Lahore holds the license of the 160-year-old traditional Muharram procession route

Traditionally thousands of mourners commence a 20-hour long procession on the eve of Ashura (10th Muharram), from the historic Nisar Haveli Imambargah (prayer place), that culminates at the famous Karbala Gamay Shah Imambargah located near the Lower Mall in the provincial capital of Punjab.

Before the commencement of the procession, an essential religious offering of ‘majlis’, [gathering of mourners of Imam Hussain A.S – the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (saww)], is held at the haveli in which Shia scholars narrate the historical facts about the happenings in Karbala.

After the majlis, a ‘Shabih-e-Zuljanah’ is brought to the procession and the mourners gather around it for some more religious offerings. In the history, the horse – Zuljanah was a grey Arabian stallion that belonged to Imam Hussain (A.S).

The procession then, from evening till morning, is led to many imambargahs situated at the Mochi Gate area. After the proceedings as per the schedule, the procession is led to other areas; passing through its traditional route before culminating at the Karbala Gamay Shah Imambargah located outside the Bhati Gate in Lahore.

While en route, the procession passes through the areas of Chota Mufti Baqir, Kashmiri Bazar, Soha Bazar, Said Mutha, Tehsil Bazar and the famous Bhati Gate.

Up till the end of the procession, the Zuljanah remains at the centre stage of the religious offerings.

The famous Qazalbash family in Lahore holds the license of the 160-year-old traditional Muharram procession route. The predecessors of Agha Ali Jan Qazalbash have held onto the responsibility with devotion.

One of the organizers of the traditional procession, Mehdi Kazmi told Bol News that it takes almost 2 to 4 hours to prepare Zuljanah for the sacred occasion. The saddle, embroidered ‘chadar’, crown, rein, shield and gold and silver are used in the preparation.

Throwing light at the significant role of Imam Hussain’s horse, respected figures of the Shia community Karar Haider and Ali Murtaza said Zuljanah has setup a precedence of loyalty that remains a classic example for the entire humanity. The exemplary stallion stood by the Prophet’s grandson at Karbala even when he was being brutally attacked from all corners of the battlefield.

Another respected figure of the community and a known mourner Sajjad said that the Zuljanah procession as well as all the processions of the holy month of Muharram are symbols of loyalty towards the Prophet Muhammad, his family and companions who chose martyrdom over worldly vices.

The honour and respect for Zuljanah can be gauged from the fact that no one rides the horses that are chosen to be portrayed as Zuljanah, apprised the trainer of the horse Syed Yasir Ali.

Elaborating further about the caretaking processes of Zuljanah, he said the diet feed of the horse includes, green fodder, apple, butter and grains. Throughout the year the horses are used for ‘matam’ processions only across various imambargahs of the city.

Every morning each horse is given a massage for 1 to 2 hours. In addition to a shower once in a week the horses are cantered daily on the streets for an hour. They are galloped at busy places to make them habitual of large gatherings so that they do not panic during the processions’ massive gatherings.

On the morning of every 9th Muharram, the police in tight security leads the Zuljinnah to the Nisar Haveli from the Nawab Palace and after the conclusion of religious offerings, the law enforcers escort back the Zuljanah back to the palace at the Empress Road in Lahore near the Bibi Pak Daman’s shrine.

photos: Mohsin Raza/Bol News