Tasht Gozari Ritual Begins in Iran’s Ardabil

IQNA – The ritual of Tasht Gozari began in Ardabil, northwestern Iran, a few days before the arrival of the lunar Hijri month of Muharram.

Tahst Gozari is a centuries-old tradition performed in Ardabil every year ahead of Muharram to mourn the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (AS) and his companions. 

This ritual, which begins on the 27th of Dhul-Hijjah and is held for three days in mosques, Hussainiyahs, and Imamzadehs of the city, is considered a spiritual introduction to the days of mourning for Imam Hussein (AS).

Tasht Gozari, which literally means “laying a wash-tub”, is largely practiced by the people of Ardabil and its surrounding villages and towns. It is one of many native mourning rituals held to mark the enduring legacy of Imam Hussein (AS) and his message of justice, equality, and sacrifice.

The centuries-old ritual reminds timeless lessons of courage, and sacrifice while serving as a heartfelt homage to the third Shia Imam (AS), a grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who was martyred in the tragic Battle of Karbala in 680 AD.

Tasht Gozari highlights the importance of potable water which was banned for Imam Hussein (AS) and his followers. In fact, the water blockade continued up to the end of the battle on Muharram 10.

During Tasht Gozari, mourners present at religious places place bowls of water, which symbolize the generosity and chivalry of Imam Hussein (AS) in the Karbala Battle, in a special place as a reminder of the water that the Imam (AS) gave to the army of Hurr ibn Yazid ibn Riyahi.

This ancient tradition has deep roots in the religious and ritual culture of the people of Azerbaijan and is considered one of the symbols of the religious identity of the city of Ardabil.

It is one of the manifestations of popular mourning that was registered as number 170 in the country’s spiritual heritage list since 2010 and begins every year with special splendor in the Grand Mosque of Ardabil. After that, other mosques and religious groups in different parts of the city also hold this ceremony in succession, and in this way, the public space of the city takes on the color of mourning.

This year’s ritual was held at the Grand Mosque with the large attendance of religious delegations, clergy, youth, and mourners, and the sounds of wailing and chest-beating echoed throughout the city.

There were participants from all over Iran at the event, chanting “Iran of Imam Hussein (AS) Is Triumphant Forever”.

With this ritual, they got ready for holding passionate and insightful Muharram mourning ceremonies.

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