Nashik: The traditional Haloka Tazia took centre stage even the Muslim community members skipped the processions on Ashura day, the 10th of Muharram, on Friday.The Haloka Tazia, which is popular as a sign of Hindu-Muslim unity, was installed at Imamshahi. Muslims as well as Hindus visited the tazia in large numbers throughout the day.It was a fair-like atmosphere at the Imamashahi on Friday evening, but the tazia was not taken out in a procession. Instead, it was buried at the same place without much pomp.According to Muslim scholars in the city, tazia is supposed to be a replica of the tomb of Imam Hussein, who laid down his life along with 71 of his associates on Ashura day in Kerbala, Iraq, and it is a solemn occasion.The processions have stopped and the number of tazias has gone down in the city for the last three years following an appeal by the scholars.The community members in the city dedicated Muharram to social work, charity, special prayers and religious lectures. Various localities witnessed distribution of cold drinks (sherbat) among people from all walks of life.The day began with prayers in all prominent mosques in city. Senior Islamic scholar Maulana Syed Nadim said Muslim youths conducted various social activities. “Distribution of fruits among patients and clothes and food items among the poor was the main feature of the day. Youths took a lead in conducting these social activities,” he said.“Earlier, in the morning, we prayed for peace, progress and social harmony in the nation and the world,” he added.Nearby Deolali Cantonment area, however, observed Muharram in a traditional manner. Procession of decorated tazias were taken out amidst beating of ‘dhol’ and ‘tasha’. The tazias were immersed in a traditional well.Malegaon, with a large Muslim population, also observed Muharram in traditional fervour. According to a senior cleric from the town, people prayed for rain. This year, Malegaon has received scanty rainfall, due to which people are facing water scarcity.

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