Dawoodi Bohra community celebrated their New Year eve today on 25^th November 2011 to welcome the New Year Date, 1^st Muharram, year 1433 Hijri ( 26 November, 2011). Muharram is the first month of Islamic calendar.

Unlike other celebrations, the New Year eve of Bohras are conducted in a very traditional manner, the festivities are more confined within the family members and community.

Soon after observing the evening prayers, Bohra family members gathered for a grand feast, as relishing a lavish food is one of the best ways to celebrate the New Year. The preparation for this feast started before 2 days and a rush could be seen in the market on the day itself.

However, the month of Muharram has its own significances as it is considered one of the most sacred months of Islam and many historical incidents occurred in this month. The Islamic New Year celebrations vary from place to place according to the traditions of the community.

“I started my preparation two days back as there is lot to be done for the New Year Eve. Normally I leave the shopping for the same day,” said Zakiya.

As per the tradition all the family members sit with one huge platter (thaal) in the centre and eat together. A thaal made of steel is a very big size plate which can be shared by 8 to 10 people together and it is decked with various kind of dishes including sweets, fruits, dry fruits, deserts, salads and main course.

Before starting the feast they follow a small custom of rotating a coconut over the thaal followed by taking a pinch of salt as this considered to be the most important religious custom. The Bohra’s start their meal with sweet dishes and then they proceed to other dishes. Wishes are exchanged among the community members.

Fatima, a housewife said, “Muharram is the first month of Islamic calendar and we celebrate the first two days of the month but from 3^rd day we start mourning as Imam Hussain, grandson of Muhammad the -Prophet of Islam, was martyred on the 10^th day of Muharram at Karbala.”

Urs of Bohra saint Khanji Pheer is also observed on the 1st day of Muharram at Udaipur.

The month of Muharram is very pious for the community. It’s the first month of the year and the 10^th day of the Muharram is known as Ashura, the day when Imam Hussain was killed in a war against the evil Yazid. Many keep fast on this day.

Photo courtesy: Hussain Nabeel