Doodh Wugra: A silent sermon of the soul
Some childhood memories stay with us forever. They return when we least expect them; through a familiar smell, a simple taste, or the quiet arrival of a sacred day. For me, the month of Muharram carries one such memory, still fresh and alive in my heart. I remember being in the 3rd or 4th grade when the beginning of Muharram would fill me with a special excitement. I wasn’t thinking about the deep history of Karbala or the profound lessons of sacrifice.
I would so eagerly wait for the 10th of Muharram in order to visit Sajja Boba’s house in my village, Kuzwera, Chadoora, Budgam. Sajja Boba was our kind neighbour, and that morning of Ashura, their home would be scented with the simple yet soulful aroma of Doodh Wugra
(A traditional Kashmiri dish made with milk and rice]. To us, the neighbourhood children, these were the happiest moments. We would run to their house, our faces glowing with joy, eagerly waiting to be served. At that time, I thought it was only about food. As I grew older, I realized that Doodh Wugra was never just about eating. It was a silent gesture of love, a simple but heartfelt way of remembering the martyrs of Karbala. It was a small bowl carrying immense emotions: grief, connection, respect, and the spirit of sacrifice.
In Kashmir, Doodh Wugra is not just a dish; it is a tender reminder of Karbala’s story. Behind its simple milk and rice lies the memory of hunger, thirst, and the extraordinary patience of Imam Hussain (RA) and his family. It was never about showing off or creating a spectacle. It was about remembering, about bringing hearts closer, and about quietly teaching what words sometimes cannot. Sadly, as the years have passed, I have watched this beautiful tradition quietly fade away. The scenes that once filled our homes and touched our hearts have now become rare. Maybe we have simply become too busy, too distracted, caught in a world that often pulls us away from the gentle, meaningful acts that once kept us connected.
Some people ask, “Is this practice really allowed in Islam?” And honestly, it is a fair question. But I truly believe that if there is no showing off, no wrongful beliefs attached, and the intensions is pure, simply to remember Imam Hussain (RA), to send rewards to the martyrs of Karbala, and to bring hearts closer, then this is a beautiful and meaningful act. Islam always encourages anything that spreads love, unity, and the memory of truth.
Doodh Wugra was never about grand ceremonies or public ceremonies. It was about quiet devotion; it was about neighbours coming together in simple and sincere ways. It was about a humble pot of food that gently carried the deep message of Karbala. Maybe it’s time we bring that spirit back. Maybe we need to slowdown & remember that even the smallest traditions can keep our hearts alive and beautifully connected. Sometimes a simple dish is enough to carry a world of love, sacrifice, and faith.
Sometimes we forget the beauty of the traditions we once loved. My humble message to the people of Kashmir is to bring them back before they are gone. Now is time to revive these beautiful traditions like Doodh Wugra. These are not just cultural practices but they are silent bridges of love, devotion, and unity that once bound our homes and hearts together. Sadly, many of these precious traditions are slowly disappearing as we become preoccupied with worldly matters, often neglecting the simple practices that once held deep spiritual meaning. We are not just losing a habit; we are losing the soft connections that once made our communities feel like family.
These sacred traditions should not be allowed to fade away. Let’s remember that these small and sincere practices like preparing, sharing, and remembering can heal hearts, reconnect us, and keep the spirit of Karbala alive in our homes. We should not wait for others to lead. The first step must be ours. Let us bring back the traditions that remind us of patience, sacrifice, and the enduring love for the Ahlul Bayt.
Mohammad Aaqib Khan, pursing PHD In Islamic Studies
