Artisans from Bahraich readying 22-foot Shahi Zari for first Muharram procession on June 16

Lucknow: As Muharram approaches, artisan Waseem Khan and his family are giving the final touches to a 22-foot-high zari at Chota Imambara for the historic Shahi Zari Ka Juloos, scheduled from Bada Imambara on June 16, marking the beginning of the Islamic lunar year.The procession, a key Nawabi-era tradition since its inception in 1837 by Awadh’s third king Muhammad Ali Shah, formally signals the start of Azadari, the Shia community’s period of mourning.It commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain and his 72 companions in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD, making the event both solemn and deeply emotive.The zari, an ornate symbolic replica of Imam Hussain’s tomb, forms the central attraction of the procession, which also features decorated elephants, camels, horses and traditional mourning bands.This year’s structure, nearly 10 quintals in weight and 2 feet taller than last year, has been crafted with support from the Hussainabad and Allied Trust, which sanctioned Rs 3 lakh.Made using bamboo, paper, cotton thread, wax and a traditional binding mixture of maida and tutiya, the zari comprises key elements such as the dome, platform, crown and grill enclosure.Its surface is richly adorned with mirrors, floral motifs, colourful paper designs, rubber buds and the symbolic chand-taara.Originally from Bahraich, Khan and around 16 family members migrate annually to Lucknow after Eid to undertake the 3-month-long process. While men handle the framework, women focus on intricate decoration.After the procession, the zari is preserved at the Imambara before being ceremonially buried at Karbala in Old Lucknow the following year.