Preserving Kashmir’s Cultural and Spiritual Heritage

Srinagar, Dec 09: A seminar at Masjid Sajjadiya in Hasanabad, Rainawari, highlighted Kashmir’s sacred sites, the Marsiya tradition, and its rich literary heritage. Organized by the Moulana Mullah Saeed Muhammad Hamdani Foundation in collaboration with the Mullah Intizamiya Committee Hassanabad, the event brought together scholars, community leaders, and cultural enthusiasts to honor Kashmir’s historical and spiritual legacy.
The seminar focused on three objectives: raising awareness about the Mullah family’s contributions to theology, literature, and poetry; exhibiting rare manuscripts and artefacts; and fostering unity between Shia and Ahle Sunnah communities by celebrating their shared heritage.
The contributions of notable figures from the Mullah family—Mullah Abdul Ghani, Mullah Tahir Ghani, Hakim Hassan Ali, and Munshi Aboul Hassan—were central to the discussions. Known for their mastery in Marsiya poetry, which reflects on the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, these figures have profoundly influenced Kashmir’s cultural and spiritual life.
A highlight of the event was an exhibition of rare manuscripts, including handwritten Qurans, Tafaseer (interpretations of the Quran), and Biyaz (collections of Marsiya poems), some dating back to the 1700s. Significant theological works such as Zaad-al-Maad were also displayed, showcasing the depth of Kashmiri intellectual history.
The program began with the unveiling of an information board at the recently renovated lower Mullah Maqbarah, a site that houses the graves of prominent Mullah family figures. This step was lauded as a meaningful way to make the Maqbarah’s history more accessible to the public.
Guest lectures on the Marsiya tradition emphasized its role in preserving Kashmir’s spiritual identity, and prominent Marsiya Khwans (reciters) were felicitated for their contributions.
Dignitaries such as Agha Syed Hadi and Dr. Sameer Siddiqui were in attendance, underscoring the seminar’s importance as a platform for cultural dialogue and unity.
The event concluded with a call to action for preserving Kashmir’s sacred sites and cultural traditions. The organizers emphasized that collective efforts are needed to safeguard these legacies for future generations. The seminar was hailed as a significant step in promoting inter-community harmony and cultural preservation in the Valley.