from wikipedia
Bibi-Ka-Alam or Alam-e-Mubarak is an annual procession during Moharram. Bibi-ka-Alam, installed in the name of Imam Hussain Prophet's Grandson and the third successor of the prophet at the Shi'ite ashurkhana at Dar-Us-Shifa,[1] Hyderabad, India on the 10th day following Moharram.[2] It is a Shia event. The procession starts at Alawa-e-bibi situated at Dabirpura and ends at Chaderghat. During the procession the devotees mourn the death by reciting Nauhey, (narrating the incidents occurred during 10th Moharram 60 Hijri in Karbala). The daughter of Mohammed. Hazrat Fatima-e-Zehra is called Bibi. The locality is known as Mohalla Bibi Ka Alawa.[3
History[edit]
Throughout the history of Qutub Shahi reign, the tradition of Azadari or Mourning of the Martyrdom of Imam Hussain and his followers was conducted with high regard under state supervision.
This Ashur Khana was renovated by the Seventh Nizam under the advice of Nawab Zain Yar Jung. The main entrance and its roof remain unaltered on which 1299 H, the year of construction is engraved. The room in which the Alam is installed is a strong room and the Alam is kept in a safe made on the design of a Sarcophagus (Zarih).
The Relic[edit]
There is a relic enclosed in this Alam as well. The relic is a piece of the wooden plank on which Janab Syeda was given her final ablution by her husband before burial. This Relic was in Karbala for a very long time. In the time of Abdullah Qutub Shah it reached Golkonda. The Relic was preserved in the calligraphic Alam with Arabic lettering of Allah, Mohammed and Ali. It was covered with an alloy of metals and gold. later Nasir-ud-daulah offered jewellery to the Alam which still exists.
There was a Royal decree sanctioning funds for the expenses and award of jagirs for the maintenance of the attendants. The provision for the paraphernalia of naubat, mahi maratib and the Royal Umbrella for the procession were also made. Throughout the year a wooden louvred blind is placed at the entrance Two green pouches, in the shape of ear-rings containing precious gems are suspended on either side of the Alam.
The Procession[edit]
This Alam is the symbol of the climax of the observance of the Moharrum mourning in Hyderabad. It comes out on an elephant on the 10th of Moharrum and presents the impression of a Royal cortege in procession.[4]
The Alam, as it emerges from the Alawa, the mourners keep chanting Ibn-az-Zehra Wa Waila, which means Goodbye Son Of Zehra,which is a protestation against the slaying of Zehra's son Hussain. Since long years it is a tradition of the mourners in the procession to chant these words.
