By IANS
Bhubaneswar : Continuing a tradition, thousands of Hindus Sunday joined Muslims’ Muharram processions in parts of Orissa.
In Sambalpur, Kendrapada and Bhadrak, Hindus joined the procession to mourn the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, grandson of Prophet Mohammed.
“We not only joined them but also played a lead role the way we have done in the past,” said Lal Mohan Padhiary of Sambalpur town, some 350 km from here.
“Muslims also join us in celebrating Hindu festivals,” he said.
Padhiary’s family has been taking out the tazia (mourning) procession every year since 1664.
One of his forefathers had gone out of home in 1655 and appeared with two Muslim clerics in 1664 after the family performed his last rite considering him as dead, Padhiary said.
In gratitude, the family took out a tazia procession that year and generations after generations of Padhiary’s family has continued to do so.
Dozens of youths participating in processions were injured after they flagellated themselves with chains and sharp weapons, drawing blood.
Some Muslim youths also walked on burning coals and many inserted iron pins in their tongues, cheeks, chests and backs.
“At least 25 tazias were brought out in Bhadrak town,” Haji Muhammad Abdul Bari, president of the Chauda Mahala Muslim Jamat, told IANS.