Mashq-e-Arba'een: Week-long Art and Calligraphy exhibition begins

Srinagar, Aug 26: The 12th Edition of "Mashq-e-Arba'een - Dar'ke Azadari," a week-long Art, Photography, Calligraphy, and Poetry Exhibition, started today.

This annual exhibition, curated by Iliyas Rizvi, has become an important event in the region, highlighting the artistic and emotional expressions of mourners during Muharram and Safar. Supported by the Department of Handicrafts and Handloom Kashmir, this year's edition offers a deep exploration of the cultural and spiritual significance of Azadari.

The exhibition, which began its journey in 2013 at the Iqbal Library lawns of Kashmir University, has become a platform for artists, students, and the general public to express their devotion and understanding of Imam Hussain (AS) and the Martyrs of Karbala. Over the past 12 years, "Mashq e Arba'een" has evolved in both concept and creativity, adapting to the changing times, including during the COVID-19 pandemic when the exhibition continued online.

This year's theme, "Arba'een... Dar'ke Azadari," delves into the different dimensions of mourning and the emotional spaces filled by people during the months of Muharram and Safar. The exhibition aims to offer a multi-dimensional perspective on Azadari, the practice of mourning for Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions, by bringing together various creative mediums. Through art, photography, calligraphy, and poetry, the exhibition explores how the traditions of Azadari are observed in Kashmir and beyond.

Iliyas Rizvi, the founder and curator of Mashq e Arba'een, shared his thoughts on the significance of this exhibition. "Mashq e Arba'een has always been about more than just art; it's about connecting emotionally with the legacy of Imam Hussain (AS) and the message of Karbala. This year, we are proud to present the 12th edition under the banner of the World Craft City and the UNESCO Creative Network City, Srinagar,” he said. “This recognition highlights the importance of preserving and promoting our cultural heritage, especially through the lens of Azadari."

The exhibition features four main categories: Mashq e Azadari (Calligraphy Window), Aks e Azadari (Visual Window), Manzar e Azadari (Fine Art & Painting Window), and Harf e Azadari (Story, Elegy & Poetic Window). Each category represents a unique aspect of Azadari, offering participants and visitors a chance to engage with the rich traditions of mourning through different forms of artistic expression.

Sabahat Nazir, a life coach and contributor to the exhibition, emphasised the emotional and educational value of the event. "Mashq e Arba'een is not just an exhibition; it's an educational journey that helps us understand the profound impact of Imam Hussain's (AS) sacrifice. Through art, we can connect with the history, the emotions, and the spiritual essence of Karbala. It's a powerful way to teach the younger generation about the values of courage, sacrifice, and justice that Imam Hussain (AS) stood for."

The exhibition, which has showcased over 50 participants and more than 500 works in its 12 editions, continues to be a beacon of creativity and devotion.

As the exhibition unfolds over the coming days, visitors will have the opportunity to explore various historical places, meet experts in elegies, poetry, photography, and painting, and share their own experiences of Azadari. The event also aims to bring together children, parents, academics, researchers, and scholars from diverse backgrounds to deepen their understanding of the traditions of mourning, particularly in the context of Imam Hussain's (AS) sacrifice and the message of Karbala.