Srinagar- While most people, including young adults, prefer to stay indoors in the summer heat, a group of students of various ages are busy exploring the unique heritage spaces of Srinagar city.
This year, summer coincides with Muharram, the Islamic lunar month when Muslims across the globe commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (A.S) and his family and companions in the tragic Battle of Karbala.
In Kashmir, people annually pay tribute to Imam Hussain (A.S) by participating in traditional Marsiya Khwani, Nouha, and processions through the old neighborhoods of the region.
In recent years, a group of young and middle-aged individuals has joined forces to explore and document the commemorative aspects of Muharram in Kashmir. The “Muharram in Kashmir” heritage walks are organized and conducted by Ilyas Rizvi, an art and craft consultant and heritage researcher.
Speaking to Kashmir Observer, Ilyas Rizvi said that the “Dar’ke Azadari” Heritage Walk offers participants of all ages a firsthand experience of places that are unique not only in routine but become especially significant during Muharram.
“The walks are a series in the making, involving a young group working together over the next few weeks to create stories about Muharram and the multidimensional aspects of Azadari, the mourning rituals,” Ilyas said.
“They will also have the chance to research and learn about rare and historically significant spaces in old Srinagar city,” Rizvi added.
The walks are part of the annual “Mashq e Arba’een Exhibition” scheduled for August, a yearly tribute to Imam Hussain from the creative group and artists.
Rizvi said, “This year, summer vacations in universities and colleges coincide with Muharram. We thought, why not utilize the opportunity to explore and study architecturally unique spaces in the Shia community that appear very different than usual.”
Ilyas added that the focus extends beyond just architecture. The group is busy researching and studying the historical and socio-cultural significance of lesser-known Shia sites in Srinagar and beyond.
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