Hindu artist makes Tazia for Muharram

Departing from his family tradition of making temple banners and flags, a 32-year-old Hindu craftsman here has adopted a unique way to spread the message of communal harmony by making colourful and artistic Tazias for Muharram.

Among the Tazias taken out by Muslim devouts here on Wednesday, Vipul Kansara's creation too stood out with the decorative use of more than 150 kgs of German silver, metal brass and aluminium for the 12-feet Tazia.

“The Tazia was made after I received an order from Phiirozkhan Akbarkhan Pathan, President of Muharram Committee from Muslim-dominated Bhalej town in neighbouring Anand district. It took me 45 days to complete and deliver it to them on the eve of Muharram,” he said on Wednesday.

It has four minars (tombs) besides quotes from Quran in Arabic and Urdu scripted all over it, he said.

A Tazia is a replica of the tomb of Imam Hussain, the martyred grandson of Prophet Muhammad, that is taken out by Muslim devotees in processions during Muharram. 

The first 10 days of the month of Muharram commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussain and his companions in the Battle of Karbala.