Imam Hussain (RA) shrine to 1950s Ashura procession: Kashmir pays artistic tribute to Karbala martyrs ahead of Arba’een

Srinagar: From old photographs of Ashura procession to calligraphic works, Kashmir- based photographers are paying tributes to Imam Hussain (RA) through their works ahead of Arba’een.

The works have been displayed at an ongoing exhibition ‘Mashq e Arba’een’ supported by the Educational Revival through Arts and Aesthetics (EdRAAK) to commemorate the Arba’een Pilgrimage that is being held on Saturday. The Arba’een pilgrimage, also known as the Arba’een Walk, is the world’s largest annual public gathering held in Karbala, Iraq to mark the end of the 40-day mourning period following Ashura.

EdRAAK founder Dr. Ilyas Rizvi said the exhibition was showcasing works of both acclaimed photographers and artists besides students.

“Through this exhibition, we are paying tributes to Imam Hussain (RA). The exhibition also commemorates Arba’een that is being observed on Saturday. Alongside works of acclaimed photographers and artists, we have also displayed paintings and calligraphic works of students so that they get encouragement,” Rizvi told The Kashmir Monitor.

He said some photographs dating back to the 1950s besides a painting of the shrine of Imam Hussain were the highlights of the exhibition.

“You can see rare photographs dating back to the 1950s like this one of Ashura. Those days the procession was taken from Jamia Masjid and Malkhah and it connected the whole city. The painting of Imam Hussain’s shrine by Ishfar Ali has got a lot of attention. Visitors are asking if this is a photograph or a painting as it looks so real,” he said.

Afaq Hussain, a Class XII student from Budgam, said he was happy to share the platform with senior artists and photographs.
“I have taken these photographs of Ashura in Budgam and I received an overwhelming response and encouragement from the visitors. I am glad that I got a chance to share the platform with senior artists and photographers,” Afaq told The Kashmir Monitor.

The exhibition that started on Wednesday is being held at the Mahatta Studios and will conclude on September 21.