Moharram and Tiger Dancing -seeking info

Hi
Muharram was observed recently.

In our city( Mysore) during Moharram every year, men dress up as tigers and take out a procession, dancing to the robust beats of the "dafli" ( Thappu, in Tamil). It is called Huli Vesha ( Puli vesham)

The only thing I have been able to find out about this ritual is that by this dance, they hope to get luck and blessings.

I would like to know what the connection between a tiger and Muharram is. Can anyone please clarify ?

VS

Dear VS,

Muharram and Tiger dance! I hear this first time. This is a superstition created by some people.

The month of Muharram is one of the sacred months. A Muslim is supposed to gain the advantage of these months so as to draw nearer to Allah by offering voluntary religious deeds such as supererogatory prayers, voluntary fasting, charity, etc.In the month of Muharram, we should remember the Hijrah(movement) of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) from Makkah to Madinah. There are many lessons in this story and it can help us understand the basic significance of the Hijrah calendar. It is good to remember that Hijrah was a significant move for the growth of Islam and throughout history, Islam has benefited from the Hijrah.It is also the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) to fast on the 9th and 10th of Muharram.

Although the month of Muharram is a sacred month as a whole, the 10 th of Muharram is the most sacred among all its days. The day is named ‘Ashurah'. It is one of the most important and blessed days of Allah in the Islamic calendar.

As you have mentioned about tiger dance, some people do many other innovations. In some countries they take this day to express their grief towards one prophet's(pbuh) companions death.

Lamenting, mourning, displaying grief and beating heads is forbidden in Islam. To carry out these acts especially on this Day of Aashora is a Bid'ah (an bad innovation in Islam). To take part in them or to look at them with respect is not permissible.

Dirges (songs of mourning) should be abstained from as they have been clearly prohibited in the Ahadeeth(prophet's sayings). Some people think that it is not good to marry in the month of Muharram.
This is also a baseless conception.

VS sayang,

I have seen 'puli kali' aka 'kaduva kali' performed during Muharram in Trivandrum. From what I understand, the tiger garb is to epitomise,glorify the bravery and sacrifice of Imman Hussain. I remember this from a Muslim friend who used to observe Muharram. I also understand that some sects do not tolerate appreciate the pulikali or the beating of chest and mourning.

However, I have not seen pulikali in Indonesia during Muharram, though it has the worlds largest Islamic population.

I am not a Muslim, if this answer appears wrong or offensive to anyone, pls do not think it is intentional.

regards
Vidya

Dear Vidya

You probably don't see any Moharram celebration in Indonesia because it is a predominatley Sunni country. Shia are the only sect that celebrate Moharram in that mannner. Growing up in a Sunni household I was always told to respect the month but never grieve and beat our chest like the Shia do...

hope this answers your question...

Dear Safa and Desiprincess
Thank you very much for your kind clarification.

V24,
Terima kasih

VS