Birth anniversary of Hazrat Imam Ali celebrated

The birth anniversary of Hazrat Imam Ali, Prophet Muhammad’s cousin, and a revered figure in the Islamic world was celebrated with enthusiasm in several parts of the city on Sunday. It corresponds to the 13th of Rajab of the Hijri Calendar.

As a part of the celebrations, the city came alive with the faithful wearing red. Processions and verses eulogising Hazrat Imam Ali were witnessed in neighbourhoods with a substantial Shia population. Each procession carried a traditional sehra which was welcomed on its way to Koh-e-Maula Ali.

Processions began from Kotla Alijah and proceeded towards Mandi Mir Alam. From here they travelled to Chaderghat via Kali Darul Shifa. They then proceeded towards Kachiguda followed by Barkatpura and culminated at Koh-e-Maula Ali where thousands of the faithful converged. The Koh-e-Maula Ali itself was illuminated by scores of lights.

According to Shia cleric Syed Nisar Hussain Hyder Agha, Hazrat Imam Ali was born inside the Kaba. He said on the day people cutting across sects and faiths celebrate the birth.