The Old City and, in particular, the Koh-e-Moula Ali come alive as thousands take to the streets for the Jashn-e-Moulood-e-Kaba. It was late on Wednesday night, keeping with the tradition, that a naqqara, beating a drum atop a camel went about announcing the arrival of the month of Rajab. "Maah-e-Rajab aagaya!" he exclaimed.
"We believe that Hazrat Imam Ali (علیہ السلام) was born in the Kaba (the black stone in the Sacred Mosque in Mecca. This signifies his stature," says Mir Abbas Ali Moosvi, who is the mutawalli, or manager, of Badshahi Ashoorkhana, a heritage structure and perhaps one of the oldest ashoorkhanas in the city.
While the birth anniversary is on the 13th of Rajab, which corresponds to April 11, preparations for the celebrations have already begun. To mark the joyous occasion, qaseedas are recited in praise of Moula Ali. The lyrical prowess coupled with devotion resonates in the Shia neighbourhoods of the Old City and Maula Ali.
"Kyun girta na sambhlega tera naam hi aisa hai Taqdeer badal dega, tera naam hii aisa hai," one such couplet -which describes Hazrat Imam Ali (علیہ السلام) one who can change destiny — echoes in areas. Other eulogies follow suit.
"This is a time when people, irrespective of faith, join in celebrations. Rajab witnesses people from both the Shia and Sunni sects as coming together to participate. This is seen at the Koh-e-Maula Ali and the several ashoorkhanas spread across not just the city, but also the state," says Moosvi.
Preparations are in full swing for the processions which will see thousands of participants.
For instance, at least five big processions are expected in Old City alone. These include sehra and sandal processions on the 13th of Rajab at Panjeshah, Bargah-e-Hazrat Abbas and Bibi Ka Alawa. Several others are organised on 16th of Rajab.
