Historical Ta'ziyah Processions in Rohri: A Glimpse into Sindh’s Cultural Past
Introduction
Rohri, a historic city in Sindh, Pakistan, has long been a center of cultural and religious traditions. Among its most significant practices were the ta'ziyah processions, mourning rituals observed during Muharram to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussain as. These processions, known locally as "matam," were once vibrant displays of devotion but have since ceased. This article explores four such historical ta'ziyah processions in Rohri, shedding light on their origins, routes, and cultural importance, based on historical accounts.
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| Duldul Matam Rohri History Image |
The Lantern-Adorned Coffin (Fanoosan Waro Taboot)
The lantern-adorned coffin, or "Fanoosan Waro Taboot, فانوسن وارو تابوت" was a striking ta'ziyah said to be crafted from glass and adorned with intricate enamel work. Organized by Syed Ali Shah, whose exact lineage whether from the Rizvi Syeds or another branch of the Sadat remains unclear, this procession began in the old Kaghazi Mohalla near Takay Wale Masjid (also known as the Takay Mosque). Starting at 3 a.m., it wound through the streets of Rohri, concluding at Shah Abdul Rahman, where participants performed rituals in honor of Mola Ali. The craftsmanship and timing of this procession highlight its unique place in Rohri’s religious history.
Eido Nani’s Ta'ziyah
Another notable procession was "Eido Nani’s ta'ziyah, عيدو نانيءَ وارو ماتم" associated with the Sheikh family. Originating from Kharkash Mohalla (now Memon Mohalla) near neighborhood of Chaquin, this ta'ziyah was also adorned with fine enamel work. The procession, led by a matamdar who served under British rule, took place on the third day of Muharram near the tomb of Shah Jiwan. This ta'ziyah reflects the involvement of diverse communities in Rohri’s Muharram observances, showcasing the city’s pluralistic heritage.
Lal Shah’s Roza
Lal Shah "Lal Shah Jo Rozo, لعل شاه جو روزو", son of Syed Inayat Ali from the Badraani neighborhood of Rizvi Sadat, founded a ta'ziyah procession that began in Loharki Samni on the fourth day of Muharram. The route included significant landmarks such as Bismillah Masjid, Hatriyon, Shahdado Mohalla, Karim Bux Street, the Old Fish Market, Sarbazar, and Musavi Shafqat Hussain Road, before returning to Loharki Samni. The ta'ziyah was stored at Bismillah (Motan Shah) Masjid and ceased around 1935. This procession’s detailed route underscores the communal participation and spatial significance of Muharram in Rohri.
Jiyal Shah’s Ta'ziyah
Jiyal Shah, "Jiyal Shah jo Mattam, جيئل شاه جو ماتم" from the Alawaldin Pota neighborhood of Rizvi Sadat, organized another ta'ziyah from Shahdado Mohalla. According to Dhani Bux Soomro, Jiyal Shah, who died without heirs, led this procession, though its exact date and route are not well-documented. After Jiyal Shah’s passing, his friend Mian Karim Bux, originally from Aror, continued the tradition for two years, relocating to Rohri to honor their friendship. Tragically, Karim Bux passed away before the next Muharram, leading to the cessation of this ta'ziyah. This story highlights the personal devotion and community ties that sustained these rituals.
Cultural and Historical Significance
These ta'ziyah processions were more than religious observances; they were expressions of Rohri’s cultural identity, blending artistry, community participation, and devotion. The use of glass and enamel work in the ta'ziyahs points to skilled craftsmanship, while the involvement of families like the Syeds and Sheikhs reflects the social fabric of the time. The cessation of these processions, particularly around the 1930s, may be linked to socio-political changes, including British colonial influence and shifting community dynamics.
References
The information is primarily drawn from:
Book: Rohri’s Three and a Half Glorious Centuries, authored by Syed Abdul Hussain Musavi and Imdad Hussain Shah Kotahi Rohri.
Pakistan Historical Society
- Mourning Processions No Longer Held in Rohri City - Part 2 Sindhi Culture
- YouTube @karbala-rohri
- 7th Muharram Mir Jo Rozo: Historical Background and Procession Details
Summary of Ta'ziyah Processions in Rohri
The following table summarizes the historical Ta'ziyah processions in Rohri that are no longer held, detailing their organizers, origins, dates, routes, and when they ceased.
| Ta'ziyah Name | Organizer | Origin | Date | Route/End Point | Ceased |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lantern-Adorned Coffin | Syed Ali Shah | Kaghazi Mohalla, Tanka Masjid | Night (3 a.m.) | Shah Abdul Rahman | Unknown |
| Eido Nani’s Ta'ziyah | Sheikh Family | Kharkash Mohalla | 3rd Muharram | Near Shah Jiwan’s Tomb | Unknown |
| Lal Shah’s Roza | Lal Shah | Loharki Samni | 4th Muharram | Bismillah Masjid, Hatriyon, Shahdado, etc. | ~1935 |
| Jiyal Shah’s Ta'ziyah | Jiyal Shah / Karim Bux | Shahdado Mohalla | Unknown | Unknown | After Karim Bux’s death |
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