Hoseni Dalan
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Hoseni Dalan, also spelt Husaini Dalan, is a Shia shrine in the old part of the Dhaka, Bangladesh. It was built in the 17th century during the Mughal Period. This commemorates the martyrdom of al-Husain, grandson of the Holy Prophet of Islam Mohammed, during the battle of Karbala on 10 October 680 CE.
[edit] History
It is said that one Sayyid Murad built the building during the Subedari (Governorship) of Shah Shuja, son of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. Shuja belonged to the Sunni sect but he patronized Shia institutions too. Legend has it that Sayyid Murad built the building after a vision of al-Husain. Since then, the building has been enhanced and renovated many times. During the rule of the East India Company, it was repaired in 1807 and 1810. After an earthquake damaged it in 1897 it was further extended and reconstructed.
[edit] Celebrations
Although the Sunni sect is a majority in Bangladesh, there is a small number of muslims belonging to the Shia sect in Dhaka. During the first 10 days of Muharram, it becomes a center of mourning and religious celebration in old Dhaka. Both the Sunni and the Shia followers join the mourning, ending in the festival of Ashura when a great procession parades through the streets.
