Zool festival sets Aishmuqam aglow in a fiery ode to Faith and Tradition
Srinagar, Apr 12 (KB): As dusk settles over the arid hills of South Kashmir, the winding pathways to the venerated shrine of Sakhi Zain-ud-Din Wali in Aishmuqam glimmer with the fire of thousands of torches. Locals refer to it as “Zool” — a festival dating back centuries that brings together mysticism, folklore, and Kashmiri faith deeply embedded.
Celebrated each spring in early April, as per news agency—Kashmir Bulletin (KB), Zool is not only the commencement of the farm season but a celebration of spiritual victory — victory of light over darkness, of good over evil. It’s not simply a religious ceremony; it’s a living tradition that passes from generation to generation, well ingrained in the cultural psyche of the area.
The essence of the celebration is at the hilltop cave shrine of Sakhi Zain-ud-Din Wali, a saintly 15th-century Sufi saint who was once called Zia Singh — a Kishtwar prince who abandoned royalty to tread the Sufi way under the tutelage of Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Wali. Zain-ud-Din Wali, so goes the legend, spent years meditating in the cave, finally vanquishing a mythical demon that had been frightening the locals. Zool is said to celebrate this triumph.
As the setting sun hides behind the Pir Panjal mountains, men, women, and children ignite pinewood torches, which they process through the village in devotional processions. Sufi hymns swirl through the air, resonating off stone buildings, mingling perfectly with incense and smoke from roasted corn. For them, the flame symbolizes innocence — a petition for peace, prosperity, and protection for the coming year.
“It’s not only a festival; it’s our life,” remarks Ghulam Qadir, 72, who has never once missed a Zool since his childhood. “With each spark, we recognize the favors of Zain Sahib.”
The shrine itself, a fusion of Mughal and classical Kashmiri design, comes alive during the week-long celebration. Pilgrims make their way from all over Kashmir and bordering areas, some walking barefoot, others bearing gifts. Healing is sought by many, others simply to feel connected to their heritage and past.
Even with the influence of the modern world taking over Kashmir’s age-old way of life, Zool has stood the test of time — a voiceless witness to the power of shared memory and religious determination.
As the final of the fires fade out under the starry Aishmuqam sky, the devotees start their descent, hearts full and spirits high. Until spring comes again, the cave shrine is silent once more — carrying tales in its shadows and the heat of a thousand fires in its stone heart.— (KB)
