Shias From This UP Village Skip Eid Festivities To Mourn Ayatollah Khamenei's Death

Last Updated:March 21, 2026, 22:06 IST

Kintur village Shia residents mourn Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Eid, skip sewaiyaan and celebrations, protest Israel, honoring ancestral ties to Ayatollah Ruhollah Musavi Khomeini.

While Eid-ul-Fitr was celebrated across North India, residents of Kintur village in Uttar Pradesh marked the day differently, as members of the Shia community chose to forgo festivities and observe mourning following the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in airstrikes on March 1.

According to locals, the usual Eid traditions were set aside. Families did not prepare festive dishes like sewaiyaan or exchange greetings. Instead, they gathered only for congregational prayers. A peaceful protest was also held, where residents condemned the military strikes and raised slogans against Israel.

Sarwar Ali, caretaker of the Waqf Nawab Amjad Ali Khan Imambara, said the mood in the village was sombre. “There were no celebrations this year. People came together only to pray and express their grief," he said.

Deep Emotional And Historical Link

The sense of loss in Kintur is closely tied to its historical connection with Iran’s religious leadership. Locals say the village shares ancestral links with Ayatollah Ruhollah Musavi Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran and mentor to Khamenei.

Residents believe that Khomeini’s grandfather, Syed Ahmad Musavi, originally belonged to Kintur before moving to Iran around 150 years ago. Over time, this connection has remained an important part of the village’s identity.

Legacy That Still Resonates

Community members say that despite the passage of time, the historical bond continues to hold strong emotional value. Some locals even trace their lineage to Khomeini’s family, reinforcing the connection.

Khamenei, who succeeded Khomeini after his death in 1989, is seen as someone who carried forward that legacy. For many in Kintur, his death is not just a distant geopolitical event but a deeply personal loss, which is why the village chose to observe Eid in silence and grief this year.

(With inputs from agency)

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