Shia Muslims take part in the procession on the 10th day of Muharram (or Ashura) at Charminar in Hyderabad on Friday, June 26, 2026.
| Photo Credit: RAMAKRISHNA G
The Youm-e-Ashura, the 10th day of Moharram, which marks the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain, Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, saw the historic Bibi-Ka-Alam procession begin from the eponymous Ashoorkhana amid chants of ‘Ya Husain’ and displays of ritual mourning.Thousands joined the procession under the watch of the city police. It began around 1.15 pm and followed the designated route through Shaik Faiz Kamaan, Etebar Chowk and Kotla Alijah. The procession reached Charminar around 3.35 pm, with mounted police clearing the way for Sreedevi, the elephant atop which the alam, or battle standard, was carried. All along the route, devotees offered dhattis.The chants changed to cries of “wavailaa”, a form of mourning expressing deep anguish over the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Husain and his family.Water kiosks had been set up, and sherbet was served to passersby. In some cases, enthusiastic youths insisted that pedestrians and motorists accept the refreshments. In other locations, such as Lad Bazaar, large vessels were lined up and food was served to visitors.Keeping with tradition, Hyderabad City Police Commissioner V. C. Sajjanar, flanked by other senior police officers, paid his respects to the alam. Speaking to the media soon after, he said: “The proceedings are going on smoothly. There are around 2,000 personnel here. There are inner and outer rope parties. The elephant, Sreedevi, has been cooperative. We have used drones and CCTV cameras, and have coordinated with other departments to ensure that the procession goes on smoothly. All arrangements have been made.”
