Uttar Pradesh | March 21, 2026

While Eid-ul-Fitr was celebrated with joy and gatherings across the country, a different scene unfolded in Kintur village of Uttar Pradesh’s Barabanki district. The Shia community in the village chose not to celebrate the festival this year, observing the day in silence and mourning instead.

Residents said the decision was influenced by developments in Iran, particularly the reported death of Ali Khamenei in recent airstrikes involving the United States and Israel. The news has deeply affected the local community, which shares a historical and emotional connection with Iran’s religious leadership.

According to locals, traditional Eid customs such as preparing sweets, exchanging greetings, and family celebrations were largely absent. Instead, people gathered only for prayers and held peaceful demonstrations to express their concern over the situation. “Shia families observed no festivities this year. They did not prepare 'sewaiyaan' (sweet vermicelli) at home or embrace each other; they only offered the congregational prayers. A protest demonstration was carried out peacefully,” said a local caretaker associated with a historic imambara.

Villagers also highlighted their ancestral links to Ruhollah Khomeini, a central figure in Iran’s history and mentor to Khamenei. For many in Kintur, this connection goes beyond history, shaping their emotional response to current events. The day, usually marked by celebration, instead reflected a sense of grief and solidarity with those affected by the conflict.

Silence Instead of Celebration: UP’s Kintur Village Observes Eid in Mourning Amid Iran Conflict

While Eid-ul-Fitr was celebrated with joy and gatherings across the country, a different scene unfolded in Kintur village of Uttar Pradesh’s Barabanki district. The Shia community in the village chose not to celebrate the festival this year, observing the day in silence and mourning instead.

Residents said the decision was influenced by developments in Iran, particularly the reported death of Ali Khamenei in recent airstrikes involving the United States and Israel. The news has deeply affected the local community, which shares a historical and emotional connection with Iran’s religious leadership.

According to locals, traditional Eid customs such as preparing sweets, exchanging greetings, and family celebrations were largely absent. Instead, people gathered only for prayers and held peaceful demonstrations to express their concern over the situation. “Shia families observed no festivities this year. They did not prepare 'sewaiyaan' (sweet vermicelli) at home or embrace each other; they only offered the congregational prayers. A protest demonstration was carried out peacefully,” said a local caretaker associated with a historic imambara.

Villagers also highlighted their ancestral links to Ruhollah Khomeini, a central figure in Iran’s history and mentor to Khamenei. For many in Kintur, this connection goes beyond history, shaping their emotional response to current events. The day, usually marked by celebration, instead reflected a sense of grief and solidarity with those affected by the conflict.