Muharram in Kashan
From the beginning of the month of Muharram, the people of Kashan follow traditional customs as in previous years, gathering in the bazaar with mourning processions. They express their grief through chest-beating and chain-beating rituals. On the first day, the water-carrying processions (Saqas) participate, followed by larger processions entering the bazaar through two main routes: Dowlat Gate and Panjeh Ali. Their mourning process concludes at the Timcheh-ye Amin al-Dowleh, recognized as the peak of their lamentation. Additionally, on the eleventh day of Muharram, the Sayyid processions also mourn in the bazaar.
Mourning Rituals in Muharram in Kashan
Processions mourning Imam Hussein (AS) typically include instruments like drums, cymbals, flutes, flags, and chains. In some assemblies, mourning poetry (Taziye) is performed, reminiscent of scenes from Imam Hussein’s martyrdom, with participants wearing special costumes symbolizing the martyrs of Karbala, often accompanied by animals such as camels and horses.
Locations such as Dowlat Gate, Masjid-e Meydan, Bala Bazaar, Panjeh Ali, Gozar-e Now, Ziarat Shah Yalan, Ziarat Darb-e Zanjiri, and the historical caravanserai of Amin al-Dowleh serve as stops where processions pause for recitations and chest-beating. Some assemblies perform specific lamentations (Rowzeh) at these sites.
On the day of Ashura, Kashan’s water wells are shut down, farmers refrain from irrigation, and dairy farmers do not sell milk, instead offering it to mourners in remembrance of Ali Asghar, Imam Hussein’s six-month-old son martyred on Ashura. Some individuals in processions engage in mourning barefoot.
Saqaiyyi in Muharram in Kashan
In Kashan, Saqaiyyi mourning is a well-known tradition during Muharram, symbolizing the act of offering water to mourners at Imam Hussein’s ceremonies. “Saqi” refers to a person who sells, offers, or fetches water. During the mourning ceremonies, mourners gather in large groups for collective chanting of elegies and remembrance recitations.
Esteemed figures such as Habil, Prophet Adam, Imam Abu al-Fadl, and Fazl ibn Rabee are considered prominent in the Saqaiyyi profession. This ceremony commemorates their dedication and greatness, particularly that of Imam Abbas, symbolizing courage and loyalty in serving justice and truth.
Old Ancient Coffin Ceremony in Muharram in Kashan
In Kashan, a ceremony known as “Palm Burying” is widely recognized, conducted in a distinct manner. The term “palm” refers to a heavy wooden or stone structure symbolizing the funeral procession of Imam Hussein. Five notable palms exist in Kashan known as:
- Sarpareh Palm
- Darb-e Fin Palm
- Darb-e Bagh Palm
- Kolahar Palm
- Babasharaf Palm
Each of these locations hosts special mourning ceremonies where mourners express their grief and mourning in distinctive ways. These ceremonies are repeated as a tribute to Imam Hussein and the Ahl al-Bayt’s sacrifice and form an integral part of Kashan’s local religious and cultural heritage.
Candle Lighting and Forty Pulpits in Muharram in Kashan
On the night of Ashura, many people in Kashan seek to perform candle lighting ceremonies, part of commemorating the martyrs of Karbala.
On the eve of Tasua, the ninth day of Muharram and the day before Ashura, devotees, with ablution and bare feet, visit forty sacred places in remembrance of the seventy-two martyrs of Karbala. At each location, they light a candle in tribute to the martyrs of Ashura. This act is a mark of respect and homage to the martyrs of Karbala and serves as a remembrance of their efforts in the path of religion and truth, conducted with full ceremony and solemnity in Kashan.
Offering Foods of Vow in Muharram in Kashan
During the month of Muharram, many people in Kashan vow to prepare special foods as a means to fulfill their wishes. These vow foods include dishes such as meat and bean stew, greens stew, minced meat and rice, lentil rice, saffron rice porridge, and halva, among others.
One particular specialty of Kashan during this month is “meat and bean stew,” which is exclusively distributed and consumed in Kashan and its surrounding cities as a symbol of vow and respect for religious and sacred objectives.
Generally, vow foods are prepared as lunch or dinner in disposable containers after mourning ceremonies and distributed among the people. This act is a dedicated gesture towards the sacred objectives of Imam Hussein and a remembrance of their efforts towards justice and righteousness in Kashan’s Muharram mourning ceremonies.
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