Trolleys-Turned-Sabeels Quenching Thirst of Mourners In Kashmir

Srinagar: As the Muharram processions take place in Alamgari Bazar locality of the city, the engine driven trolleys which follow the processions grab the attention of mourners and the people passing by.

In the city, at least two trolleys have been turned into Sabeels, (a refreshing point providing beverages and tea to mourners).

These trolleys follow the route of the processions and distribute tea and snacks among the mourners.

Ilyas Rizvi, an oral historian and a craft researcher has been documenting Sabeels in Kashmir for years.

He says setting up sabeels is an age-old tradition in the Kashmir valley and the trolley driven sabeels have their own significance.

“The tradition of setting up refreshing points along the roadsides is a centuries old but with the advancement in technology, new tools came into play. The engine-driven trolley provides refreshment to mourners during processions in the city” Ilyas says.

“In the last few years, there has been an increase in practice with people setting up stalls at multiple locations”.

Sabeels offer a variety of drinks ranging from water to traditional beverages, chilled milk flavored and tea.

“Teenagers and Youth mostly take part at the Sabeels which offer refreshment”.

Pertinently, with the arrival of Muharram, different organizations set up canopies at pathways from where processions are scheduled. With the month of Muharram falling in summer months, people are now served with juices and cold water”

Free food and beverages are distributed among the mourners as a way to pay tributes to Imam Hussain (A.S).

Sabeel is regarded as a signature Muharram activity taking place for centuries.In Srinagar, numerous sabeels have been set up alongside roads offering mourners free water, juices and tea.

People volunteering at the sabeels say it is a matter of pride for them to serve people and it is a way to pay respects to Imam Hussain (a.s).