Lucknow: A documentary titled ‘Hunar-e-Aza’, highlighting Lucknow’s Muharram traditions and the arts and crafts associated with the observance, was screened at Lucknow Bioscope at Sanatkada on Sunday.Through visuals and narration, the documentary depicts the processions held during the first 10 days of Muharram, culminating in Ashura, and explains the significance of wearing black as a symbol of mourning for the martyrs of Karbala.Directed by Ayesha Khatoon and Apurva Shah, the film also explores the city’s centuries-old culture of azadari and the craftsmanship that has helped preserve its religious and cultural heritage over generations.“When we were documenting the film, we found that Muharram in Lucknow is not just about religious faith but also about its people and their art,” Ayesha said.The documentary showcases the making of alams, zari work and taziyas, while highlighting crafts such as aari, zardozi, patka, champa, chameli, nakkashi and rangrez.Through conversations with artisans and visuals of them at work, it traces these traditions to the reign of Nawab Muhammad Ali Shah, under whose patronage they flourished and became integral to Muharram observances.The film also portrays Lucknow’s rich cultural heritage, showing how members of the Shia, Sunni and Hindu communities have participated together in Muharram processions, majlis and related rituals for generations.
