High-Level Meeting of Central Muharram Committee at Murtaza Ali Dargah, Kila Ghat; Deliberations on Administrative Coordination and Route Chart for Chehlum Preparations, Akharas to Emerge from Neighborhoods on August 5
Bhagalpur, Special Correspondent: To ensure that the traditional and solemn festival of 'Chehlum', commemorated in memory of the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain and the martyrs of Karbala, is conducted peacefully, harmoniously, and with strict discipline, administrative and social preparations have begun in full swing in the silk city of Bhagalpur. In this connection, a highly significant and comprehensive meeting of the Central Muharram Committee was convened on the premises of the historic Murtaza Ali Dargah, Kila Ghat. A large number of akhara presidents, secretaries, committee representatives from various city neighborhoods, and prominent citizens participated in this meeting. Presided over by senior committee office-bearers, the meeting deliberated extensively on route charts for processions during Chehlum, sanitation, lighting arrangements, water supply, and foolproof security measures. During the deliberations, it was decided that traditional akharas and processions from various neighborhoods across the city will emerge along their designated routes on August 5.
Significance of Chehlum Festival and the Main Objective of the Meeting
According to the Islamic calendar, on the fortieth day following Muharram—known as Chehlum—the supreme sacrifices of Hazrat Imam Hussain and his companions are remembered with profound reverence. Exemplifying Bhagalpur's syncretic Ganga-Jamuni culture, this festival is celebrated every year with utmost peace and traditional fervor.
The Committee's Initiative: To ensure no inconvenience or law-and-order issues arise during the Chehlum processions, the Central Muharram Committee has begun cementing its arrangements well in advance by coordinating with administrative officials.
Deliberations at Murtaza Ali Dargah: At the meeting held on the Murtaza Ali Dargah premises at Kila Ghat, all akhara committees were instructed to strictly abide by administrative regulations, designated timeframes, and peace maintenance during the processions.
Akharas to Emerge from Various Neighborhoods on August 5
As per the decisions taken in the meeting, under the primary events of Chehlum, akharas equipped with traditional martial arts skills (lathis, swords, sticks, etc.) and mourning elegies (noha-matam) will take to the streets on August 5.
Routes and Discipline: Points from prior discussions with the police administration regarding the akhara route charts were reviewed. It was ensured that processions reach their destinations on schedule without causing traffic disruptions.
Participation of Youth: Committees appealed to the youths to maintain strict discipline during the processions, prioritizing traditional marsiya and nohakhwani over DJs or provocative slogans to preserve the city's peace and brotherhood.
Emphasis on Sanitation, Drinking Water, and Power Supply
Specific demands were raised during the meeting to streamline arrangements along the routes traversed by processions and akharas:
Sanitation: A special request was made to the Municipal Corporation to ensure bleaching powder spraying and regular garbage lifting along Kila Ghat, the Murtaza Ali Dargah route, and main akhara pathways.
Drinking Water and Illumination: Emphasis was placed on arranging clean drinking water for participants and akhara members along the route, alongside immediate repairs to malfunctioning street lights to prevent nighttime darkness issues.
Medical Teams and Ambulances: It was decided to place demands before administrative officials for medical camps and ambulance deployments along the procession routes to handle emergencies.
Message of Peace and Mutual Brotherhood
Addressing the meeting, office-bearers of the Central Muharram Committee stated that Bhagalpur has always been identified with mutual harmony and Ganga-Jamuni culture. They appealed to people of all communities to celebrate this festival with mutual love and brotherhood. Police and administration are also closely monitoring the city's security arrangements to prevent any disruptive elements from spoiling the atmosphere.
This meeting of the Central Muharram Committee held at Murtaza Ali Dargah, Kila Ghat, stands as proof that preparations for Chehlum in Bhagalpur are being executed with utmost seriousness. The framework for the akharas and processions scheduled for August 5 has been finalized. With administrative cooperation and committee proactiveness, it is anticipated that this year's Chehlum festival will similarly conclude with peace, security, and absolute grandeur.
