Lucknow: Lucknow Bioscope hosted a special screening of Hunar-e-Aza, a documentary-style film that presents Muharram in Awadh as a living cultural tradition shaped by faith, craftsmanship and community participation. The screening was held on Sunday, July 12, at Lucknow Bioscope on 130 J.C. Bose Marg, Qaiser Bagh, followed by an engaging discussion with the filmmakers.
Directed by Aisha Khatoon and Apurva Shah, Hunar-e-Aza explores how the traditions of Muharram in Lucknow extend beyond religious mourning to encompass the city’s artisans, craftspeople and centuries-old artistic practices that have become integral to the observance of Azadari.
Speaking during the post-screening discussion, co-director Aisha Khatoon reflected on the filmmaking process, saying, “When we were documenting this film, we found that Muharram in Lucknow was made up not only of religious faith but also of its people and their art.”
The documentary captures the voices of artisans engaged in traditional crafts associated with Muharram, offering insights into their experiences and the stories behind their work. It highlights the dedication, skill and inherited knowledge that have enabled these artistic traditions to survive across generations, reinforcing their importance in preserving the city’s cultural heritage.
One of the film’s notable observations comes from Prof. Nadeem Hasnain, who remarks, “Muharram has a very composite character in Lucknow; everyone has some role in it.” His perspective underscores the inclusive and syncretic nature of Muharram in the city, where people from different communities contribute to its observance through various artistic and cultural practices.
The title Hunar-e-Aza literally translates to “the artistic traditions involved in Azadari.” Through the perspectives of Prof. Nadeem Hasnain and Nawab Masood Abdullah, the documentary traces the historical evolution of Azadari in Awadh while documenting the many traditions that have become synonymous with Muharram in the region.
The film also showcases artistic practices that sustain both the tangible and intangible heritage associated with Muharram, including the intricate crafts of taziya-making, naqqashi and aari-zardozi. It further highlights the diverse forms of participation across communities that have helped preserve these traditions, presenting Muharram in Lucknow as a shared cultural legacy as much as a religious observance.
The screening at Lucknow Bioscope offered audiences an opportunity to appreciate the intersection of history, faith, craftsmanship and communal harmony, while recognising the artisans whose work continues to keep Awadh’s unique Muharram traditions alive.
