Karbala Talkatora to be off limits on Chehellum

LUCKNOW: Unlike previous years when the 40th day of Imam Husain’s martyrdom—Chehellum—would be commemorated with a wave of mourning and the Old City, from Victoria Street to Karbala Talkatora, would hold a solemn look. Chehellum will be observed on Thursday.
According to the mutawwali of waqf Karbala Talkatora Syed Faizi, the doors to the religious monument will be under lock and key.
“Senior police officials came to the Karbala on Wednesday and have directed me verbally that no one should be allowed to enter the premises on Chehellum. They did not give any written order for it,” he claimed.
“In fact, a police bandobast has been stationed outside the Karbala gates. Not even 100 people, which is the government norm, can enter the Karbala,” he added.
Shia cleric Maulana Kalbe Jawad in a video message informed mourners that even though Chehellum majlis (sermon) will be held at Imambara Nazim Sahab on Victoria Street, people should stay in their homes.
“Majlis will be held at 1.30pm. The local population will itself make up for 100 people, so no one should come to the Imambara,” said Jawad.
A juloos (procession) which followed the majlis with Alam (standards synonymous with Hazrat Abbas—Imam Husain’s brother) will also not be held on Thursday.