Mashhad - On the bright night of the birthday of Imam Ali ibn Musa al-Reza (AS), Imam Reza (AS) Street and the alleys leading to the shrine have taken on a different face; a face full of hope, kindness, and empathy.
According to Ashura News, citing Mehr News Agency, on the bright night of the birth of Hazrat Ali ibn Musa al-Reza (AS), Imam Reza (AS) Street and the alleys leading to the shrine have taken on a different face; a face full of hope, kindness, and empathy. These days, a wave of pilgrims and neighbors is flowing towards the shrine, and the heart of Mashhad city beats in a continuous pulse of Razavi enthusiasm. But what attracts attention more than anything this year is the diversity and breadth of services of the processions that have been set up on this street; processions that this year are not just a table of food, but also a narrative of culture, art, kindness, and social joy.
From the smell of hot bread to the taste of kindness
The air of the street is mixed with the smell of fresh bread and hot tea, and servants with white aprons and smiling faces are busy baking bread, preparing bowls of porridge, and distributing hot food among the people. The sound of greetings and greetings adds a special warmth to the atmosphere of the alleys. In every procession, eyes full of enthusiasm and hands ready to serve are a reminder of the generosity and hospitality of the Khorasani people. But here, it's not all about the food.
Culture, Art, and Smiles; Processions with a New Approach
As the official start of the celebration approaches at 4:00 PM, Imam Reza (AS) Street becomes a scene of enthusiastic public presence and diverse processions. Among the welcoming processions, stands can be seen that have made the atmosphere of the celebration more diverse. Cultural and artistic processions, with colorful banners and flags decorated with the name of Imam Reza (AS), have transformed the street space into an exhibition of love and knowledge. In one of these processions, a Mashhad woman tells Razavi stories to children in a calm voice, and the children listen to her enthusiastically. A little further away, a procession with a painting and craft booth has been prepared for children and teenagers; the children draw pictures of the Golden Dome, the birds of freedom, and the Imam’s smile with colored pencils and paper.
One of the cultural procession leaders says about his motivation: This year, we decided to provide the pilgrims with food for thought and heart, in addition to the reception. Children should be introduced to the kindness of Imam Reza (AS); with stories, paintings, crafts, and even local indigenous games.
Cultural items and souvenirs
In the cultural booths, small cultural packages including storybooks, drawing books, compact tablets with Razavi hymns, and even commemorative badges are distributed among children and teenagers. For youth and families, banners with moral and cultural messages, educational packages, and brochures introducing the life of Imam Reza (AS) have also been prepared. Some processions hold calligraphy or live painting workshops by inviting local artists so that both adults and children can have a share of art and beauty in this spiritual celebration.
A Narrative of Service, Empathy, and Social Joy
The procession participants come from different walks of life in the city; from marketers and teachers to students and artists. Everyone takes on a part of the work and shoulder a part of the celebration with the intention of serving. One of the procession attendants says: We consider Imam Reza (AS) to be the Imam of kindness; this kindness should also be seen in our behavior and actions. People today need empathy and hope more than ever.
The alleys and streets are decorated with flags of “O Imam Reza (AS)” and “Asadullah Ayyamekum” and the face of the city has taken on a new look. Alongside each procession, the sound of Mawlid chanting, prayers, and joy blends the spiritual and social atmosphere. Children with painted faces and green and gold balloons are busy playing and laughing in every corner, and young people revive the spirit of competition and camaraderie in cultural and sports competitions.
A Step Beyond Celebration; Promoting Razavi Culture
What is seen on Imam Reza (AS) Street this year is not just a simple celebration or food; it is a collective movement to promote Razavi culture, strengthen the tradition of hospitality, and social bonding. The processions, looking at the needs of today's society, have tried to bring spirituality, joy, awareness, and hope to the heart of the city. These days, Mashhad, blessed by the name of Imam Reza (AS), is a scene of beauty, splendor, and popular empathy; a living story of love that has crossed the boundaries of time and space and brought hearts closer together.
Post a comment