Muharram processions, idols immersion in Tripura with harmony

In a display of religious harmony, thousands of Muslims across Tripura took out processions on the occasions of "Ashura", the tenth day in the Islamic month of Muharram on Sunday while Hindus continue to immerse Durga idols though Bijoya Dashami was observed a day earliery.

Braving light-to-heavy rains, thousands of Muslims and Hindus across the northeastern state took part in both the religious occasions with absolute peace and harmony.

"District and police administrations had defined separate routes in Agartala and other cities for the processions on the occasions of Muharram. The traditional processions were completed by 5 p.m.," West District Police chief Abhijit Saptarshi told IANS.

"Since Saturday, over 200 Durga idols have been immersed in Dasami Ghat in Agartala alone till Sunday evening. These are mostly small clubs, community and household Durga idols," he added.

Like other parts of the state, the big clubs and large community Durga Puja organisers are likely to immerse their idols in the next few days.

According to state Director General of Police Akhil Kumar Shukla,around 2,440 community and about 100 family pujas, including approximately 1,485 in rural and interior areas, have been organised in Tripura this year -- a figure slightly lesser than last year.

Civic bodies, district administrations and police have made necessary security arrangements on the major river banks where the immersions are being taking place.

Separate security arrangements were also made for the Muharram processions on the Yaum-e-Ashura, an important religious event in the Islamic calendar.

On the occasions, in the ongoing processions, Muslims beat drums and thumped their chests to mourn the martyrdom of Prophet Mohammed's grandson Imam Hussain at Iraq's Karbala in 680 AD on the 10th day of the Islamic month of Muharram.

On Muharram, considered a day of bereavement, Muslims observe voluntary fasts, give to charity and pray in remembrance of Hussain.

Police officials in the control rooms here quoting reports from across the state said that there was no untoward reporters across the state relating to the twin religious observances.

--IANS

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