The Taziya procession, on the 10th day of Muharram is one of the most essential events that occur in Udaipur every year. Since decades, both Muslim and non-Muslim communities of Udaipur have come together in this cultural event to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad.

However, we thought that a few among our readers might not be aware of the history of Taziya procession and so, we went through the UT archives and found this piece  which had some interesting facts about the Taziya procession.

The History of Taziya in Udaipur can be stated as follows:

1. The initial procession of Taziya started in Udaipur in the year 1559.

2. At that time, the Taziya processions were arranged, organized and sponsored by the then Maharana of Udaipur.

3. Since the initial years of its commencement, Taziya Procession has had more cultural and traditional significance than religious.

4. In olden days, The Jagdish Mandir premise was booked for Muslim women from where they could observe the Taziya Procession.

5. At that time, an elite force of Maharana was deployed from the Hathipol gate. The force was called ‘Paltan Fauj’ which mainly consisted of Muslim soldiers. The name of Paltan Masjid at Chetak originated from here. The Taziya of Paltan is considered to be the highest one.

6. Taziya Procession was also taken part by non Muslims who used to install Sabeel (kiosks) to provide water to the participants and the onlookers.

Throwing light on Muharram;

1. It is the first month of the Islamic calender and Ashura is the 10th day of Muharram.

2. This day is marked in the world as martyrdom of Imam Hussain and his 72 followers which included his sons, brother and other close relatives.

3. History says that, the last few days up until and including the day of Ashura are the most important because these were the days where Imam Hussain and his 72 followers were deprived of water from the 7th day onward.

4. On the 10th day, Imam Hussain and his 72 followers were killed by the army of Yazid I at the Battle of Karbala. Yazid I was the second Caliph of the Umayyad Dynasty.