United in the memory of Imam's sacrifice

LUCKNOW: Muharram — a month ofmourning for all Muslims, a month that marks the martyrdom of Imam Hussain. Allcelebrations cease and all followers of Islam grieve the death of one who livedand died for the sake of his people. In the City of Nawabs, ShiaMuslims or only Muslims are not the only ones who observe Muharram. For the past125 years, the Imambara Kishnu Khalifa has been witnessing the Muharram mourningby Hindus. "This Imambara was constructed by my great-grandfatherand we have grown up observing Muharram," says Harish Chandr Dhanuk, presidentof Taziadar Sevak Sangh. As history goes, Gayadeen did not have anychildren and he constructed the Imambara out of his faith in Imam Hussain. Hewas not only blessed with a child, Kishnu Khalifa, after whom the Imambara isnamed, but also lived a very peaceful and fulfilling life. ForHarish Chandr, the love of God has brought him ultimate happiness. "This is aunique place where you can experience the bond between the Hindus and Muslims,"he says. It is not only Harish Chandr, but his entire family that isdevoted to Imam Hussain. His son, who works in a life insurance company, hasalso kept up the family tradition. "I cannot express what thispassion has given me. All that I am and all that I have is because of the lovethat God showers on me," enthuses Harish Chandr. Majalis are heldhere regularly throughout the month of Muharram and the major Anjumans of thecity come to this Imambara to mourn the martyrdom of Imam Hussain."Yesterday, we had maatam-e-shakeens here to mourn and sing elegiesto Imam Hussain, this place is equally important and observes Muharramreligiously," explains Harish Chandr, talking about the significance of ImambaraKishnu Khalifa. "Muharram is observed by a three lakh non-Shiapopulation in the city, of which, a major percentage is Hindus," remarks YasaRizvi, a devoted observer of Muharram. Imam Hussain, who isremembered for his righteousness and piety, has also affected the Hindusensibilities, Rizvi says.Here is a verse from an elegy that isoften sung by the Hindus as they carry their tazias to the various Karbalas inthe city: "Bharat mein agar aa jaata/ Hirday mein utara jaata/ Is desh ki bhashamein usee Bhagwan pukara jaata."