(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) Srinagar- With the advent of the Islamic month of Muharram, the Kashmir valley has been enshrouded in black banners and hoardings, mourning the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (A.S), the grandson of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
Pertinently, Imam Hussain was martyred alongside 72 of his companions, in the
battle of Karbala
in 680
CE
against the army of the
Umayyad caliph
Yazid.
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Shia Muslims hold mourning rituals in this month, which peak on Ashura, the 10th of Muharram, commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (A.S.).
Roads and Highways in Shia-dominated localities are festooned with black flags and banners in homage to the martyrs of Karbala.
Prominent
areas such as Central Kashmir's Budgam town, the Srinagar-Baramulla Highway, Alamgari Bazar, Saida Kadal,
Lal Chowk,
Foreshore Road, and Shalimar localities
in Srinagar city
have been adorned with banners in a bid to pay homage to martyrs of Karbala.
A significant emblem of Islamic resistance, a 65-foot flag locally known as alam sharif, dedicated to Hazrat Abbas (A.S),
the Half-brother of Imam Hussain (A.S)
has been erected on the Foreshore Road by the youth of the adjacent Lashkari Mohalla.
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Similarly,
Imambargahs, the congregational halls for Shia commemoration ceremonies, have been similarly draped in black sheets and banners.
Hussain Mir, a painter and calligrapher from Zadibal, said the preparations for mourning begin way before the commencement of the holy month.
“The calligraphic works on banners commence months prior to Muharram. We inscribe poetry in praise of Imam Hussain (A.S) and include socially pertinent messages.” He said.
Ilyas Rizvi, an oral historian and craft researcher, has been chronicling Muharram in Kashmir for a decade. He emphasized the cultural significance.“Writing verses in praise of Imam Hussain (A.S) on banners is a vital art form within the community. This art has evolved over time, with specialized artists curating calligraphic designs on the banners.”
Elaborating on the transformations within this tradition Ilyas said some decades ago, only black banners were hoisted. Nowadays, red and green banners are also prevalent. Furthermore, the banners were predominantly inscribed in Urdu, but now English and Persian are also utilized.”
In recent years Kashmir valley had seen some instances of youth being electrocuted while hoisting banners. Shia organizations
and Mohalla committees have urged youth to take precautions while erecting banners.
“To all our brothers, please be mindful of electrical poles and high-voltage wires when putting up Muharram banners and flags. As we honor the sacrifices of Imam Hussain (A.S) and the martyrs of Karbala, let us also prioritize safety and take necessary precautions to avoid accidents,” the notice from Shia Association read.
“Together, let's make Muharram 2024 a safe and memorable one, and may our actions reflect the values of courage, sacrifice, and unity that Imam Hussain (A.S) embodied.”
It added.
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