In the historic fortified city of Lahore, in particular around the Porte de Lohari, Muharram’s preparations are in full swing with craftsmen devoting to the development of ceremonial ornaments used in religious processions.
Elements such as Alam, Tazia, Zarih and Shabeeh-E-Zuljanah are meticulously handmade each holding a deep spiritual and cultural meaning for people in Shiite mourning during the sacred month.
The demand for these symbolic artifacts increases in the service of Muharram, although orders have placed throughout the year. Many craftsmen have inherited the trade in previous generations, preserving complex techniques that give these elements their distinctive identity.
Among them is Mukhtar Ahmad, a veteran craftsman, who has handled Muharram’s ornaments for more than four decades by hand. “There was a time when these pieces were made with pure gold and money,” he said The Express PK Press Club. “Due to the cost, the brass is more common now, but each room is always fully done by hand.”
Photo: Asif Mehmood
Mukhtar Ahmad noted that if Chinese manufacturers have started to mass produce certain ceremonial articles, the detailed artistic talent required in these particular ornaments remains beyond automation. “If they also start to make them, we will not have any work,” he said with concern.
Photo: Asif Mehmood
The cost of a complete set of ornaments for a shabeeh-e-zuljanah can reach 100,000 PKR, and prices are increasing considerably for personalized conceptions in silver or gold finishes. Despite the cost, the faithful often insist on hand -made pieces to honor their religious traditions.
“It’s not just crafts,” said Sabt Hasan, a local mourning. “Alam represents the bravery of Hazrat Abbas (RA), the Tazia commemorates the martyrs of Karbala, the Zarih symbolizes the reverence for the Imam Hussain (RA), and the cradle reminds us of the decorations of Hazrat Ali (RA).
Photo: Asif Mehmood
In the Porte de Lohari, the workshops are animated by activity. The sound of hammers, the light of ornaments and sincere conversations on devotion create a unique atmosphere during this time of year. The craftsmen work 24 hours a day to ensure the timely delivery of orders before key processions.
The tradition of developing ceremony ornaments for Muharram is not only a cultural heritage of Lahore but also a living heritage. Each year, it is revived with a renewed passion.
The dedication, the skills and the faith of these craftsmen recall that Muharram is not only a period of mourning but also a period of spiritual reflection, cultural continuity and collective memory.
