Hussaini Dalan, Dhaka
As a child, I often heard the name Husseini Dalan from my mother, but I never saw it with my eyes. Despite being in Dhaka and traveling to old Dhaka many times, this place remained hidden from my eyes for so long. Finally, I made a quick decision to visit Husseini Dalan. A friend was with me as a travel companion. I planned to visit some more old traditions of old Dhaka on that day. I left the house at around 10 a.m. The purpose is Rose Garden, then after seeing Choto Katra, and Bara Katra, I will go to Husseini Dalan.
How to go to Husseini Dalan-
Hussaini Dalan is located in the Bakshibazar area of Old Dhaka. First, you have to come to Bakshibazar from any part of Dhaka. It is easy to go to Bakshibazar by rickshaw/CNG/bus. Thikana/Maumita Bus Service plies this route via signboard to Gabtali. After walking a short distance along the right side road adjacent to Badrunnesa Mahila College in the Bakshibazar area, you will find Husseini Dalan.
Hussaini Dalan or Imambara is a Shia building built during the Mughal period. It was built by Syed Murad during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Suja. Shah Suja was a Sunni Muslim but had a strong interest in Shia religion. Syed Murad named this building Hossain Dalan. It was a very small building at the time of construction. Later it was widened. A short walk from the gate leads to the main building. There is a staircase on the right side of the building. Below the stairs is a place to light candles. Many candles were burning. I put my shoes in the designated place and went up. If you take the stairs to the second floor, you will see a wide balcony. The pillars of the building are decorated with Parsi letters. There are a few halls on the right side of the balcony. At the far corner of the hall is a pulpit made of wood with seven steps, it is covered with black cloth. Just above it, a red sheet is tied. Religious symbols of different colors such as red, black, olive, etc. are hung on the front. Parsi letters are written on each cloth. Many people are sitting and praying around this pulpit, many are prostrating. In the room next to this pulpit is a throne and that too is surrounded by black cloth. Usually, black cloth is used as a symbol of grief and mourning for Hussain’s death. The whole room is decorated with royal chandeliers and lighting. At the far end of the hall, there is a space for women. There is a pond with three wharves at the front end of the building. At present fish is cultivated here.
Hussaini Dalan is decorated differently from the 1st to the 10th of Muharram. On the day of Ashura, a huge procession comes out from here. The people of the Shia community kept on mourning and striking themselves, saying, “Hay Hussain, Hay Hussain”. The Tajiya procession ended after circumambulating the main gates of the city. There is a cemetery on one side of the Husseini building. Many members of the Shia community are buried here. Flowers are placed on each grave. No entry is allowed without family members. The whole place is quite clean. Many people come here to fulfill their desires. Apart from Bangladesh, Shia groups from different countries came here. At present there is no trace of the old period in the house. It is still sparkling like the new architecture
Hossaini Dalan Travel Precautions and Tips-
1) It is a religious place of worship so nothing can be done to hurt their religious sentiments.
2) Before entering the shrine, everyone must leave the shoes in the designated place.
3) Garbage should not be thrown there.
4) Many people pray inside. Avoid doing any activity that disturbs their prayer.