The legend of ‘Ghode Ki Khabar’: Hyderabad’s horse grave that captivates locals and tourists alike

The grave of the horse is popularly known as ‘Ghode ki Khabar’, and is located outside the Kausar Bakht Takiya graveyard

Hyderabad: Ever heard about a grave for a horse in the city? Drive down the Aghapura to Jhinsi Chowraha stretch, you will find a statue of a horse on right side of the road.

The grave of the horse is popularly known as ‘Ghode ki Khabar’, and is located outside the Kausar Bakht Takiya graveyard.

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Legend goes that a saint who lived at Aghapura had a horse as a pet. The white horse was loyal to the saint. After a few weeks of the death of the saint, the heartbroken horse also passed away. The local people then recognizing the relation of the horse with the saint decided to give it a decent burial very near to the place. After rounds of discussions it was decided to bury it outside the graveyard where the saint was buried.

“There are no separate burial grounds for animals nor are they buried in grave yards where human beings are laid to rest. But as the horse belonged to a saint, it was buried right just outside the graveyard where the holy man was laid to rest,” Anwar Hussain, a bandmaster said. The legend has been around for over 150 years.

At Ghode Ki Khabar, the statue is of a horse lying down and looking ahead.

People from different areas of the city visit the place to have a glimpse of the grave. “Groups of tourist visit place and take pictures. Visitors prefer to come during early morning when there is not much traffic,” said Jamaluddin, a local resident.

The local shop keepers and residents organize annual celebrations at the place where a ‘Nishan-e-Mubarak’ (religious flag) is replaced. Food camp is also organized.

Of late, the Ghode ki khabar, became a local landmark for the people to guide guests to their residence or business establishments. Also, it is now finding a mention on visiting cards of local businessmen making the place more popular.

However, the local people themselves chip in money to whitewash and paint the statue of the horse and surrounding area every year. “It is an important landmark and the GHMC should recognize it and explore possibility of making it a ‘selfie spot,” said a local resident.