By TCN Special Correspondent,
Lucknow: With just one day left for the starting of Muharram — the month of mourning marking the martyrdom of Imam Husain and his associates in Karbala (Iraq) — a pale of gloom has descended upon the old Lucknow. As per Marqazi Chand Committee the moon for Muharram was not sighted on Monday; therefore the first day of Muharram will be on Wednesday and the 10th day of Muharram or Ashura will be on December 17.
The historical buildings as Bada Imambara, Chota Imambara, Saadat Ali Khan Ka Maqbara and the numerous other imambaras in Lucknow have been decked up in black to mark the colour of mourning.
Meanwhile, ADM (City) OP Pathak reiterated that only the processions which have been agreed as per the tripartite agreement involving Shias, Sunnis and district administration will be allowed as per the conditions laid down in the agreement. The major processions include Zari Ka Juloos from Bada Imambara to Chota Imambara at 9:30 pm on first Muharram, Mehndi Ka Juloos on the same route on seventh day of Muharram from 9:15 pm, procession on eighth day of Muharram will be taken out from Dariya Wali Masjid to Ghuframaab Imambara at 9:30 pm, the procession on ninth Muharram will proceed from Imambara Nazim Saheb to Dargah Hazrat Abbas from 9:30 pm while the main tenth Muharram procession will be taken out at 10:15 pm from Imambara Nazim Saheb to Talkatora Karbala.
An expert on Muharram processions Syed Naqi Hussain Zaidpuri stated that earlier there were 953 processions but now only nine are permitted. Other processions include one on chehallum, chup tazia and two processions on 19th and 21st Ramzan.
On Monday, Mayor Dr Dinesh Sharma took round of the old city areas and directed to officials to undertake proper sanitation drive in the area. He also directed for making proper arrangements for water supply and street lights.