Kolkata: Despite many fears in the state of West Bengal, Muharram as well as Durga immersion were observed peacefully on Sunday.
The administration, as asked by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, was on vigil in consideration of the possibility of a clash between communities as Dussehra and Muharram coincided.
The Indian Express reports, thousands of Muslims participated in processions of Muharram even during the rains, commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussain at the Battle of Karbala.
Kolkata, as well as other districts, took out processions carrying tazias and black flags with people beating their chests in ceremonial mourning.
The West Bengal government had imposed restrictions on Durga idol immersion on Vijayadashami on September 30 after 10 pm and October 1 which is the 10th day of the holy month of Muharram. However, the order was stayed by the Calcutta High Court after protests by BJP leaders.
The Calcutta High Court had also asked West Bengal police to specify separate routes for the immersion of Durga idols and tazias and ensure that such routes do not overlap each other.
Interestingly, despite the high court order, very few organising committee sought permission for idol immersion, ending scope for any clashes.
Muslims give charity, observe fasts and pray in the Islamic month of Muharram. The grandson of Prophet Mohammed (S.A.W), Imam Hussain, was martyred some 1330 years ago at Karbala in Iraq.