For centuries, India has been setting examples of communal harmony and religious tolerance in the world. And even today this tradition is followed by the people of the country in their communities in their own small ways. Every year during Muharram, the Taziyas of Baroda bring to light one such tradition.
A Hindu Pandit and a Tazia :
As a part of a 150-year-old tradition, the Tazia of Hakimwada of the Nagarwada area is “cooled down” by the priest of the Bahucharaji Temple. The custom started during the reign of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III and the Tazia was installed at the Hakimwada. It is said that Hakim Chacha was the Hakim to the royals and that the Maharaja himself used to come to pay respects to the Tazia.
This Tazia is also famed in the city for being the only one not to be cooled down by immersion in a lake. Instead, the Tazia is doused in holy water with rose petals and attars (scented oils) by the high priest of the Bahucharaji Temple. After this, a “Nariyal” (coconut) is offered by the priest as a “Bhog” (offering). Later the procession is carried to the Karbala ground to Ajwa to be buried there.
And, another example :
The Tazia at the dargah of the venerated Zoravar Peer is yet another example of the communal harmony of the city. A few years after the installation of the first Tazia in the city by Sayajirao III, the Tazias of Yakutpura Muslim Panch commenced installation in 1880 and continued to be installed even today. Even in the case of this Tazia, the Maharaja is noted to have visited it to offer prayers.
Following the footsteps of their king, the people of the city from across communities started paying respects to the Tazia installed in the Zoravar Peer’s dargah. People from every community like the Gujaratis, Marathis and even Parsis have been known to pay respects to this particular Tazia. Another reason for this is that the people of the city have always had immense faith in Zoravar Peer.
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And one more example :
It is said that in the Sarkarwada, (the old palace of the Gaekwads), the Ganesh idol and the Tazia were installed simultaneously. Both the festivals were celebrated in pomp with Ustad Faiyaz Khan the legendary singer, singing the Mangala Aarti for Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III !
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When asked about the skirmishes happening sometimes during Muharram, the residents say that any untoward incident which takes place is instigated by some elements for their vested interests. Apart from some small conflicts, the Tazias are welcomed by the people of all communities with grace and reverence.
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