Pressmediaofindia
Related Articles
“If governments are committed to preserving historical traditions and cultural heritage, then the return of Rajni to the Bibi Ka Alam procession deserves serious consideration.”
Hyderabad, June 10 (PMI): The issue of the elephant used in the historic Bibi Ka Alam procession has once again become a topic of discussion within the Shia community. With no significant progress reported so far, many devotees have expressed concern, saying that the matter is deeply connected to their religious sentiments and long-standing traditions.
Questions are now being raised about why “Rajni,” the female elephant that was previously part of the Bibi Ka Alam procession, has not been brought back. It is understood that her participation had earlier been halted due to court-related restrictions. However, according to sources, those legal hurdles have now been resolved, prompting devotees to ask why no effort has been made to restore her role in the procession.
At one point, rumors circulated that Rajni had died, but those reports later proved to be false. Sources say that Rajni is currently housed at Nehru Zoological Park and remains in good health.
Although Rajni is now quite old, many devotees believe she is still capable of participating in the procession. They suggest that even if she is not used as the main ceremonial elephant, she should at least be included as the “Nishan” (symbolic) elephant in the Bibi Ka Alam procession.
It is worth noting that the Bibi Ka Alam procession traditionally featured two elephants. According to sources, however, only one elephant has been used over the past 20 years.
Supporters of Rajni’s return argue that both the Central and State governments frequently emphasize the preservation of heritage, traditional arts, and cultural practices. They question why the historic Bibi Ka Alam procession—widely regarded as a living symbol of Hyderabad’s Ganga-Jamuni culture—should be deprived of one of its long-standing traditions. (pressmediaofindia.com)
