PHOTO ESSAY | Arbaeen through the Eyes of Innocence

Written and photographed by Sidra Fatima, an independent freelance journalist as well as an avid reader; who covers topics ranging from politics, international relations to literature, art and culture, and Syed Taqui Haider, a Delhi-based journalist covering topics ranging from politics, human right, environment and culture. 

Arbaeen marks the largest annual religious congregation in the world, occurring after Ashura; it is the period of mourning and reflection when Imam Hussain commemorates his surrender and bravery in resisting brutality and oppression. Imam Hussain lives on to be an ever-living symbol of courage and bravery against evil.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of Muslim devotees all committed to the cause of their Imam throng Delhi to hold the Arbaeen procession. The 10-kilometer march from Jama Masjid to Dargah Shah-e-Mardan in Jor Bagh is taken out with azadaars or mourners, moving in complete solemnity.

In this centuries-old journey of faith, children represent the symbol of purity and continuation, bringing a soft, symbolic appearance to the Arbaeen procession. They reflect themselves within the shrine of devotion and respect that is sweeping through their silent steps with their parents and elders while clad in black, sometimes carrying small flags or banners. Though the young participant may not learn the history of Imam Hussain against injustice, it is a powerful cultural and spiritual experience that leaves a lifetime effect. To such children, the procession is not merely a ritual; rather, it becomes an experience of togetherness and remembrance that sets an unbreakable link with their roots.

Every step taken with family and other azadaars educates them on the virtues of justice, compassion, and resiliency—values for which Imam Hussain gave his life. While walking the 10 kilometers from Jama Masjid to Dargah Shah-e-Mardan, these young people view and absorb a very personal and social event. They learn, in their own way, the eternal importance of standing up for justice and truth because they grow up listening to the cries and witnessing the silent strength all around them.

Here is a series of twenty photographs taken during the Arbaeen procession in Delhi in 2024.

A child clings to his mother, looking up at the towering tazia

A young girl, dressed in black, stands quietly by a cart, observing the mourning rituals with innocence and curiosity

With solemn expressions, young boys join the crowd in performing matam, rhythmically striking their chests in unison

Children stand atop a truck, distributing tabarruk (offerings) and water to the devoted procession participants

Amidst the crowd, an infant eagerly extends his hands to receive tabarruk

The child receives the tabarruk, embracing the moment with silent reverence

A young boy, standing beside the alam (flag), gazes intently at the tazia, striking his chest in a heartfelt act of remembrance

With quiet determination, a young child waves the alam on his own, carrying forward the mourning traditions

Children stretch out their hands, reverently touching the tazia, participating in the sacred rituals of remembrance and devotion

A boy stands before the tazia with a look of quiet respect, paying homage to its spiritual significance

The phrase "Live like Ali, die like Hussain" is boldly inscribed on a child’s T-shirt

A weary child rests on a vehicle while being gently fed the sacred tabarruk

A child, perched on his father's shoulders, watches the solemn parade while looking silently at the assembled crowd

The same child rests quietly, carried by his father through the Arbaeen gathering

A tender moment of connection, offering comfort and guidance

A woman stands patiently with her two children, watching the mournful crowd move past her

Young hands engage in the tradition of sharing tabbaruk(offerings)

Children gather eagerly around a young girl, who shares tabarruk with them as part of the ritual

A child enthusiastically waves a flag, symbolizing their participation in the sacred traditions

A boy grips the alam (flag) with pride, while another stands before him, both embodying the spirit of the procession