Spiritual atmosphere of the holy shrine of Imam Reza (AS) took on a different feel with the beginning of month of Muharram. Dressed in their service attire, servants of Imam Reza shrine, set off from Goharshad Mosque towards the golden minarets of the shrine to hold traditional "Sala" ceremony on Friday, June 27th. This ceremony, which dates back more than three centuries, is known as the beginning of Muharram mourning rituals.
In this ceremony, a group of servants recited religious poems and passionate elegies with themes of Muharram, inviting pilgrims to participate in the mourning ceremonies. Their warm voices revived spiritual spirit and unity in hearts of those present and proclaimed message of Ashura throughout the shrine.
Amin Behnam, deputy for sacred places of Imam Reza holy shrine, spoke about importance of this ceremony and said: “The Sala ceremony is a symbol of a public invitation performed every year at the beginning of Muharram by servants and eulogists from top of minarets”.
Behnam continued: “Like in previous years, this year’s ceremony was held with the aim of promoting culture of sacrifice and martyrdom and keeping alive the memory of Imam Hossein (AS). It is hoped that this ceremony will pave the way for strengthening spiritual bond with Imam Reza (AS) and enhancing spirit of solidarity and resistance against oppression”.
He emphasized: The Sala ceremony, as a valuable spiritual heritage, carries message of unity and an invitation to truth-seeking and sacrifice, whose voice resonates in the spiritual atmosphere of the shrine every year”.