Hyderabad Ashoorkhanas Face Financial Hurdles Ahead of Muharram Observances
As Muharram begins, over 11,000 ashoorkhanas in Hyderabad are struggling with delayed government grants. Caretakers are bearing costs personally, while the Waqf Board has promised to release funds and increase support for these vital religious institutions in the coming days.
Highlights
- •Hyderabad's 11,000 ashoorkhanas face operational delays due to pending government grants ahead of Muharram.
- •Annual grants, ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹30,000, have been delayed, forcing caretakers to use personal funds.
- •Caretakers require up to ₹1 lakh for restoration and arrangements to host large numbers of visitors.
- •Waqf Board Chairman Azmatullah Husseini has promised to disburse funds shortly and increase grant amounts.
As the holy month of Muharram officially begins this Wednesday, custodians of ashoorkhanas across Hyderabad are facing significant financial uncertainty. These religious institutions, which serve as vital hubs for the community during the sacred period, are still awaiting the release of essential government grants needed to manage their daily operations and religious observances.
Across the state, there are approximately 11,000 such facilities. Typically, the annual financial support provided to these institutions ranges from ₹5,000 to ₹30,000, determined by the size and scale of each individual ashoorkhana. However, recurring delays in the disbursement of these funds have placed a heavy burden on caretakers, who are often forced to utilize their personal savings to ensure that religious activities proceed without disruption.
Financial Struggles Ahead of Muharram
The operational costs for maintaining these sites are substantial. According to caretakers, even smaller ashoorkhanas require as much as ₹1 lakh to cover necessary expenses, including restoration works, food distribution, lighting, and specialized bands for the observances. Given the high volume of visitors expected during Muharram, the lack of timely funding is a pressing concern for those tasked with preserving this cultural and religious legacy.
The hereditary mutawalli of the historic Baadshahi Ashoorkhana, Mir Abbas Ali Musvi, highlighted that there has been an urgent request for the government to increase the annual grant to at least ₹25,000. To date, this requested funding has not been released. Furthermore, concerns have been raised regarding the distribution process, with another mutawalli, Rampally Srikanth, noting that financial assistance is currently limited to gazetted institutions. Many caretakers in rural areas remain unaware of the formal gazette requirements, leaving them without any support.
While minority department officials previously provided assurances that grants would be enhanced this year, local caretakers indicate they have received no official confirmation or updates regarding such an increase. There is an urgent call for the immediate release of funds to facilitate necessary preparations and facility repairs before the peak of the observances.
Official Response and Outlook
Addressing the growing concerns, Waqf Board chairman Azmatullah Husseini stated that the disbursement of the grants is expected to take place within the next few days. He emphasized that the board is working to expedite the process to ensure all eligible beneficiaries receive their funds. Furthermore, he reiterated the government’s commitment to increasing the grant amount, promising that formal details concerning these financial updates will be announced shortly to support the smooth conduct of Muharram.
