In a region that has become known for its religious and sectarian conflict, tazias — or representations of the tombs of the imams, which form part of elaborate theatre of Muharram processions — are a reminder of a more harmonious time. Lovingly constructed with great devotion and attention to detail, tazias are often built by Barelvi Sunni Muslims, although many Shia Muslims are also involved in the tradition. In India, one can still find towns and cities where Hindus and Sikhs continue to make tazias. Historians trace the tradition of the tazia to the invasion of northern India by Taimur (Tamerlane) in the 14th Century. Shahid Ali Naqvi argues in his book, Azadaari, that the need for a tazia arose when Taimur was unable to take his army to Karbala for their annual trip. As a conciliatory gesture, he arranged for a model of the shrine to be built from khak-i-shifa (clay of Karbala) transported all the way from Iraq to the subcontinent.

As with many mourning rituals observed during Muharram in the subcontinent, tazias are unique to South Asia; Iran and Iraq do not have them. Contemporary tazias are a far cry from the simple structures made initially from mud. They vary in size – from small enough to be carried in the hand to ones that go up to 50 feet — and are intricately carved and decorated, reflecting the makers’ hard work and passion. The decorations of the tazias also often reflect the craft the region is known for. In Chiniot, renowned for its beautifully carved woodwork, for instance, one tends to find tazias made from engraved wood. Many are also an intergenerational effort, often with generations of families coming together to make the tazias.

Images on Sunday takes a look at what happens behind the scenes and meets some of these families. — Photos by White Star

Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, October 9th, 2016