Elephant From Kerala to Join Hyderabad's Bibi ka Alam Muharram Procession
The traditional Bibi ka Alam procession in Hyderabad will feature an elephant transported from Kerala for the upcoming Muharram observances. Government and Waqf Board officials have finalized logistics and safety protocols, with plans for the city to secure its own elephant for future historic processions.
Highlights
- •An elephant is being transported from Kerala to Hyderabad for the Bibi ka Alam procession.
- •The transport was secured following emergency efforts by the state government and the Nizam Awqaf committee.
- •The animal will undergo a mandatory veterinary fitness check prior to participating in the event.
- •Plans are underway for the city to acquire its own elephant for future historic festivities by next year.
Following the recent sighting of the moon, which marked the beginning of the holy month of Muharram, preparations are in full swing for the traditional Bibi ka Alam procession in Hyderabad. Authorities have successfully resolved concerns regarding the availability of an elephant for the event, ensuring that the 10th-day procession will feature the animal as per long-standing tradition. The elephant is set to be transported from Kozhikode, Kerala, to participate in the commemoration.
Logistics and Preparations for the Muharram Procession
The state government, in collaboration with HEH the Nizam Awqaf committee, undertook eleventh-hour efforts to secure the necessary permissions from the forest department for the elephant's arrival. Minister Mohammed Azharuddin confirmed that the animal is expected to reach the city within the next three days. Looking toward the future, there is a clear intention for the city to procure its own elephant for the Bibi ka Alam procession and other historic festivities by next year, reducing dependence on external arrangements.
Strict safety and procedural protocols are being implemented ahead of the event. A thorough fitness examination will be conducted by a qualified veterinary doctor upon the elephant’s arrival in Hyderabad. Additionally, a practice session is scheduled along the designated procession route, subject to final clearance from local law enforcement. Advocate Syed Ali Jaffry, representing the HEH The Nizam Awqaf committee, emphasized the importance of these meticulous checks to ensure public safety.
The formal transition of duties is expected to occur at Purani Haveli on the day of Youm-e-Ashura, which falls on June 26. Following police clearance, the committee will hand over the keys to the mujawar (custodian) of the Bibi ka Alawa in the presence of police and revenue officials. Organizers are working diligently to include key historical route locations that were omitted during the previous year’s event, aiming for a timely and well-coordinated conclusion to the procession. During the event, Mohammed Azharuddin is expected to offer the dhatti—a sacred silk presentation—alongside other public representatives and government officials.
In response to circulating claims, the committee has officially clarified that no offer of a 'mechanical elephant' was received from PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). Representatives noted that the Waqf Board has had no communication regarding such an initiative, dismissing the reports as a potential public relations maneuver.
