This book analyses engagements with non-Shia practices of Muḥarram
celebrations in the past and present, in South Asia and within a larger diaspora.
Breaking new ground by bringing together a variety of regional perspectives
(the Deccan, the Punjab, Singapore, South Africa, and Trinidad and Tobago)
and linguistic backgrounds (Bhojpuri, Gujarati, Marathi, Punjabi, Tamil, Urdu),
the chapters discuss the importance of Muḥarram celebrations in terms of their
respective actors.
While in some cases these include an interrelationship with Shia Muslims
and their traditions of mourning during Muḥarram, other contributions address
contexts in which the Shias, and even Muslims, form only a minor component of
the celebrations, or even none at all. Focusing on Muḥarram celebrations that are
beyond the script provided by Shia Muḥarram practices, this book opens up new
perspectives on Muḥarram as a social practice widely shared by South Asians
across regions.
The book will be a key resource for scholars and students of South Asian
studies, Asian religion, in particular rituals and religious practices, and Islamic
studies, but also engaging to non-academic readers interested in the practices of
several regions.