Commemorating Ashura at the Mughal Court

Every 10th of Muharram, also known as Youm-e-Ashur, or Ashura, milk and sherbet were poured into kooze (earthen cups). A red thread was tied around each cup. Halwa was also prepared and served as niyaz.

The Emperor offered Zuhar prayers at Moti Masjid. After that, it was time for the Haziri. A dastarkhwan was laid out with kababs, paneer, sheermal, mint, ginger and radish slices.

The Emperor tasted a morsel of the food, then offered some to the heir apparent. After that, he also offered it to all other princes and nobles according to rank. After the ceremony, it was distributed among everyone.

Relics of the Prophet (S) were brought from the Jama Masjid in a palanquin. The soldiers play their regimental tunes. The Emperor set the relics on a settee and paid his respects. After that, the men are asked to leave the mosque.

The women then came to pay homage to the relics, after which the relics were sent back to the Jama Masjid. The Emperor and the Begumaat return to the palace. They then pay their respects to other relics in the palace dargah.

Gota was then distributed amongst the people and the Marsiyakhwans. The Sultan, Princes, and Nobles alike, recited Noha’s, and became Fakirs in the Qilla. A grand procession with the Alam then followed, marking the last of the rites of commemoration.

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Source:

The City of My Heart by Rana Safvi