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The Manzar opens on a veiled girl of 3 to 4 years coming out of her camp, lamenting the departure of her father as soon as these elegiac notes are heard,
میں لّے بیٹھا ہاں میڈی مًک گئی ہے توں وّل ون خیمہ گاہ تے۔
Then the Zul Jannah appears in the storm of dust and lays itself down on one side, announcing the departure of the Imam. The whole crowd mourns the departure of the Imam in an earth-shattering voice.
The Manzar is a direct symbol of the devotion of the daughter to her father as well as of Zul Jannah towards its rider. It is narrated that in order to protect the Imam from the storm of arrows, it kept running around the Imam and a great number of arrows were pierced into its body.
Introduction
Symbols play an important role in explaining the meaning of an incident. The Epic Battle of Karbala lasts an immeasurable impact on the pages of history. Therefore, it has some of the striking symbols dedicated for the explanation of different events within the historical range of Karbala. In this writing, I shall only focus on the symbols of remembrance and reverence that are found within Pakki Shah Mardan during the days of Ashura.The Jhoola
The Jhoola or The Cradle is used as a symbol dedicated to recall the sacrifice of Ali Asghar (AS) and to remember the three days long thirst of the six months old Asghar and other people from the side of Imam Husayn (AS). The sacrifice of Ali Asghar (AS) is one of the most painful events in Karbala in which a newly born child was awarded with arrows to quench his thirst!The Saij
The Saij is established on the night of 7th Muharram to mourn the departure of Qasim (AS). The symbol reminds us of his heroic fight with the forces of falsehood despite his small numbers of age. The Saij also alludes to his post-battle condition that my pen trembles to write.The Alam
The Alam or The Flag is definitely a defining symbol of the battle of Karbala. It refers to the small but righteous army of Imam Husayn (AS) and his companions. The Alam is often attributed as a symbol of the battle between right and wrong, and it certainly depicts the moralistic side of the battle. The presence of the Alam is observed on the 8th as well as the 10th of the Muharram.The Mashaque
The Mashaque or the Waterbag is a symbol of the ultimate devotion of Hazrat Abbas (AS) with Imam Husayn (AS) and his family. It relates to the incident of fetching water for thirsty children, including Asghar (AS). Mola Abbas (AS) becomes successful in attaining water for them but the ruthless army of Yazid spills the hard-earned water through their rain of arrows.Manzar-e-Zul Jannah
Manzar-e-Zul Jannah is the only reason Pakki Shah Mardan is famous among the Shia community of Pakistan. It requires great labour to conduct the sacred Manzar. The Manzar is attended enthusiastically by both the Shia as well as the Sunni community to pay their tribute to the Grand Sacrifice of Ehl-e-Bait and their companions in protecting Islam.The Manzar opens on a veiled girl of 3 to 4 years coming out of her camp, lamenting the departure of her father as soon as these elegiac notes are heard,
میں لّے بیٹھا ہاں میڈی مًک گئی ہے توں وّل ون خیمہ گاہ تے۔
Then the Zul Jannah appears in the storm of dust and lays itself down on one side, announcing the departure of the Imam. The whole crowd mourns the departure of the Imam in an earth-shattering voice.
The Manzar is a direct symbol of the devotion of the daughter to her father as well as of Zul Jannah towards its rider. It is narrated that in order to protect the Imam from the storm of arrows, it kept running around the Imam and a great number of arrows were pierced into its body.
Tazias or Ziaraat
Tazias or Ziaraat are established to pay homage to the martyrs of Karbala for their unparalleled services in safeguarding the religion of Muhammad (SAW). Their establishment is observed under a veiled atmosphere. Then, the Ziaraat are placed in different houses. Ziaraat are enlightened through electric lights. People place different meals formally known as Khurda for their Mannat. Some of them put oiled Charragh in Ziaraat on the night of Ashura. During this period, people gather in the form of a procession in Imam Bargah where all Ziaraat are placed and observe Matamdari. On the day of Ashura, the Ziaraat are taken after Manzar-e-Zul Jannah among the people in procession to the Shrine.Niaz and Sabeel
Although Niaz is more of a tradition than a symbol but at the very core, it is a symbol that alludes to the thirst of Ehl-e-Bait and their companions. Sabeel and Niaz are prepared to offer the resources of the people to the souls of the martyrs and to show their devotion and dedication to them.Conclusion
The people of Pakki Shah Mardan are much dedicated to revive the tragic incidents of Karbala through the above-mentioned symbols. The Shia Community in Pakki Shah Mardan constitutes a major share of the population of the said town. Their sincere efforts help everyone grasp the true meaning of the Epic.Source
My own eyes and ears
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