"Rajasthan's Shia Community Makes Sacrifice: Chooses to Forgo Eid Celebrations"

Iranian Shia Community in Rajasthan Observes Mourning Instead of Eid Following Ayatollah Khamenei's Death

The Shia community in Rajasthan has made the decision to forgo Eid celebrations this year in light of the recent reports surrounding the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The news of Khamenei's passing at the age of 86, in a major attack allegedly launched by the US and Israel, was aounced on March 1 by Iranian state television.

Syed Nazish Akbar Kazmi, Imam of the Shia Jama Masjid on Amer Road, stated that community members will be observing a period of mourning, sporting black armbands, and refraining from all customary festivities. "Neither sewaiyan nor other sweet dishes will be prepared, and people will not exchange Eid greetings. No new clothes will be purchased, nor will any gifts be given to relatives," said Kazmi.

Kazmi emphasized that the community will mark Eid by offering prayers and expressing solidarity, including prayers directed against nations perceived as hostile to Iran. He urged for global voices to speak out against what he referred to as 'ongoing injustices'. The Imam described the Iran-Israel conflict as a battle between oppression and justice, rather than a religious conflict.

Community members expressed that Eid would be observed in a subdued maer, limited to prayers. In Rajasthan, it is estimated that there are around 8,000 Shia Muslims, with three Shia mosques located in Jaipur's old city. Shias have a long history of residing in Jaipur since its founding, although many migrated to Pakistan during partition. Further migration for employment opportunities has led to a reduction in their numbers in the state.

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