Hyderabad, June 27 -- There is no doubt that the Bibi Ka Alam procession in the Old City of Hyderabad is one of the largest religious gatherings in the city. In public memory, even the Nizams of Hyderabad participated in it every year, setting the tone of its importance. The fact that it is essentially a Shia Muslim gathering has no bearing, as Sunni Muslims and even Hindus participate in it.

It is in fact a very powerful story of cultural assimilation which dating back to the 17th century when Hyderabad was ruled by its founding Qutb Shahi or Golconda dynasty (1518-1687). The tradition continued even with the later Nizams. For those who are unaware, the Bibi Ka Alam procession is one of the many that is carried out on the 10th day of Mu...