Hyderabad: The historic Bibi Ka Alam procession began in Hyderabad on Sunday as thousands of devotees gathered to observe Ashura, commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussain and his companions in the Battle of Karbala.
The procession started from Bibi Ka Alawa in Dabeerpura and moved through several prominent areas of the Old City, including Yakutpura, Charminar, Gulzar Houz, Panjeshah, Purani Haveli and Darulshifa, before concluding at Chaderghat.
The sacred Bibi Ka Alam, believed to house a revered relic associated with Hazrat Fatima, the daughter of Prophet Muhammad, was carried on a decorated elephant in keeping with a centuries-old Hyderabad tradition. The annual procession traces its origins to the Qutb Shahi era and remains one of the most important Muharram observances in the city.
Thousands of mourners participated by reciting elegies, offering prayers and performing traditional mourning rituals to honour the sacrifice of Imam Hussain at Karbala.
Hyderabad Police made elaborate security arrangements for the event by deploying thousands of personnel along the procession route. Surveillance through drones, CCTV cameras and the Integrated Command and Control Centre was also used to monitor the gathering and ensure public safety.
Traffic diversions were enforced across several parts of the Old City, and commuters were advised to use alternate routes during the procession.
The Bibi Ka Alam procession continues to attract devotees from across Telangana and neighbouring states every year, reflecting Hyderabad's long-standing cultural and religious heritage.
