In recent years, Kashmiri women have been breaking stereotypes by actively participating in Muharram traditions. Traditionally, women in Kashmir were not allowed to join the processions. Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar, is a critical period of mourning for Shia Muslims worldwide. It marks the anniversary of the seventh-century Battle of Karbala, where Imam Hussein and other family members of the Prophet Muhammad were killed. This year, hundreds of women participated in a procession on the 11th of Muharram at Magam in Baramulla district.
Also Read: Five Kashmiri women influencers you need to follow
Women distributed water, organised different stalls for medical emergencies and blood camps, and helped with Muharram preparations. The ‘Who is Hussain’ organisation set up a refreshment stall where only women served the mourners at Lal Chowk on the 8th of Muharram, where a procession has been taking place for the last two years.
Also Read: How Kashmir’s Shiite Muslims commemorated 9th Muharram
A group of women from Khanqah e Amaan ul Qadiriya served water and sharbat to mourners on the 10th of Muharram in Zadibal, Srinagar.
Also Read: Kashmiri women navigate success in water chestnuts
The women’s participation highlights their commitment to social work and religious customs, demonstrating their support for their community. They were widely involved this year in organising and managing essential services during Muharram.
Also Read: Fit to core: Kashmiri women smash patriarchy
The women in places like Srinagar, Magam and other districts in Kashmir showed a massive presence during Muharram this year. Shia communities engage in vibrant rites, staging plays that re-enact the events of the battle. Devotees take on the roles of Imam Hussein and his followers, who confronted the Umayyad forces loyal to the caliph, Yazid I.
Also Read: A widow becomes sarpanch at 80, busting ageism myths
Two girls hold flags with “Imam Hussein” written on them as they participate in the 8th Muharram procession in Lal Chowk, Srinagar.
Shia women mourn in their own way to remember the martyrdom of Prophet Muhammad’s grandson, Imam Hussein, at the Mir Shamus Din Araqi Shrine, which is the endpoint of the procession on the 10th of Muharram.
Also Read: A young woman engineer spurs hope for pottery in Kashmir
The lead image on top shows women holding flags and pictures of Islamic leaders in the Muharram procession at Budgam, Kashmir, on the 11th of Muharram.
Reporting and photography by Suhail Bhat, a Village Square Fellow 2023-24. He works as a multimedia journalist in Jammu and Kashmir.
