Hosay Trinidad 2009

Hosay 2009 - Hosay is the commemoration of the martyrdom of Hussain (grandson of Prophet Muhammad). It is commemorated by people around the world*.

Yesterday and Today
St. James, Trinidad hosts the oldest commemoration of Hussain in the Western world. The commemoration began in 1847, 2 years after Indian Indentured servants arrived in the British colony. Today all religious dominations and races take part of the commemoration in Trinidad, including Hindus and people of African origin. The events that are commemorated in Trinidad are: Mehendi night (of Kasim who was killed), Flag Day (people make promises for the year ahead), Small Hosay (death of Ali Azghar), Large Hosay (death of Hussain), Battle of Karbala and Teejay (when the tadjahs are put into the sea).

Tadjah
The tadjah (mausoleum) is built after Ramadan and is displayed during Ashura in the Islamic month of Muharram. Community members who take apart of building of the tadjahs, are required to observe a strict diet and lifestyle.

Music
Tassa and dhol drums, which originated from India, are key elements in the procession. During the 4-5 day event drums can be heard throughout St. James. There are 4 different rhythms that represent different events that took place during Muharram.

Moons
There are 2 moons that are visible during the procession of the tadjahs. One moon is red and purple and this represents the martyrdom of Hussain. The other moon is green and blue which represents the death of Hassan by poison.

*This commemoration is apart of culture. It began after the prophet's life. Not all Muslims commemorate Hosay. Trinidad's Hosay is based heavily on Indians commemoration from Lucknow (who are both Sunni and Shiite).

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• trinidad
• hosay
• muslim
• indian
• indo-caribbean
• dhol
• tassa
• hindu
• guyana
• trini
• caribbean
• hussain
• hussein
• muharram
• ashura
• hassan
• hasan
• islam

[xplosivelilly]

i'm a muslim from trinidad and let me tell u this festival does not represent us in any way. There is a tiny shia minority here and your average trinidad muslim never met a shia nor even know what shia islam is. This festival was originally a shia one but today, like almost anything in trinidad, is turned into a fete..where most pple drink, dance lewdly and majority non muslims...

[dasy100]

Like the video camera couldn't move from that fella beating the base of what? like he pay for this footage or the person filming have a groove for he!..from . 0.42min...the camera stick dey! replace this vi.

[freebee007]

@prady1965

yes bro ur abs right i updated research on this drum beatig mourning is common in iraq, afriqa, pakistan sindh n on iran to show a war against yazeedi forces by Hussain ibne Ali,

great show wish u good luck

Ya Moula Ali madad ,

Ya Hussain Madad

[prady1965]

@freebee007 The Drums are war drums, never to be beaten at Weddings and times of merry etc. The Beats are distinct .

[prady1965]

Great information given...Nice vid, maybe next time you can show all Tadjahs and both Moons, thanks anyway...

[moonus111]

The benefits to humanity if there was a moon colony are beyond measure.

[tassaman01]

love hosay alott!!!!!..i grew up in dis so its an honour to continue dis tradition but only one ting spoils it..is one set of niggas duz b in dis..especially in st james oh gosh and d women feel is ah party dem cud where panty and bra alone to come..dem niggas shud dead!

[triniboi100]

Big up to the Muslim community in Trinidad that kept their Tradition and Culture alive after 166 years since east-indian indentureship. Even though I am a Hindu I am very happy to see that my Muslim Brothers and Sisters have kept their tradition and Culture alive just as we Hindus in Trinidad do.