Bhubaneswar: Muslims across Odisha on Friday observed Muharram with fasts, special prayers, Tazia processions and events like “walk on fire”, besides community meals. Police had made elaborate arrangements for the peaceful observation of the day.The community in the city observed the day in a very low-key manner, mostly concentrating on prayers and fasting, however, some Muslim pockets in cities like Cuttack, Bhadrak and Balasore organised several events. A section of the community in Cuttack participated in ‘Alaba’, an event of “walking on fire”, organised at six places on Thursday night. The faithful also took out a procession to holy Qadam-e-Rasool site at Dargha Bazaar, and hosted community meals. Programmes continued for over a week, said an organiser.Similarly, Bhadrak town, having a sizable Muslims population, witnessed a grand colourful Tazia procession with several tableaux. The procession started from their respective villages and terminated at Madina Maidan. Bhadrak Muharram committee president Asraf Ali Khan, vice-president Mohd Zakaullah and general secretary Enam Mohd among others led the procession.Meanwhile, the Shia community observed the event by beating their chests and inflicting pain on their bodies with knives, razors and iron chains, grieving over the sacrifice of Husain in the battle.Chief organiser of Balichhak Shahi Imambada at Jatni, Nausir Ali, said they hardly feel pain, and get cured with the blessing of the Almighty.
