Hyderabad: In the heart of Hyderabad’s Old City, excitement filled the air as children, families, and curious onlookers gathered, many clutching bananas, as they awaited the arrival of a majestic guest.
After a journey spanning over 500 kilometres from Tumkur in Karnataka, Lakshmi the elephant finally reached Bibi-ka-Alawa to take part in one of the city’s most revered Muharram traditions, as per a report by TIE.
A Majestic Arrival for a Sacred Tradition
Lakshmi, a 32-year-old elephant from Sri Karibasaveshwara Mutt in Horapete, Tumkur, has been chosen this year to carry the Alam, a gold-and-diamond-studded sacred standard, during the Ashura procession. Every year on the 10th day of Muharram, this procession begins at Bibi-ka-Alawa in Dabeerpura and ends at Ilahi Masjid, with mourners walking in remembrance of Imam Hussein ibn Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, who was martyred in the Battle of Karbala.
The Alam is mounted on the elephant’s back as it leads the procession, a spectacle that draws people from across the city. Lakshmi, known for her gentle temperament, is currently under the care of the Telangana state government during her five-day stay in Hyderabad, as per the report.
A Living Link to Hyderabad’s Royal Past
This symbolic role of elephants in Muharram processions isn’t new. During the time of the Nizams of Hyderabad, elephants from the royal stables led the procession. Photographs of the last Nizam, Mir Osman Ali Khan, standing with Alam-carrying elephants still adorn the walls of Bibi-ka-Alawa. Although those royal days have passed, the tradition has been kept alive in recent years by the combined efforts of the state government and AIMIM, who arrange for elephants to be brought in from Karnataka.
In 2023, Madhuri, and in 2024, Rupawati, had the honour of leading the procession. This year, it’s Lakshmi’s turn to carry the legacy forward.
A Feast and Festivity for Lakshmi
During her time in Hyderabad, Lakshmi is treated with the warmth and care usually reserved for honoured guests. Her daily meals consist of a whopping 250 kilograms of food, including fruits, sugarcane, boiled lentils and rice. “It’s feasting time for Lakshmi now,” said Syed Salim, her mahout, who added that she enjoys the attention-especially from children.
The elephant is accompanied by Mirza Riyaz Ul Hassan Effendi, an AIMIM MLC entrusted by the state government to oversee her journey and care. Lakshmi will remain in Hyderabad for four more days, during which she will be well-fed, bathed, and looked after.