Karachi: Haleem is more than a delicious dish of meat and lentils during Muharram. It is a rich tradition that has been happening for centuries.
That is also the reason why these young people seen dress their time in the streets, playing cryket or football, are seen stacking two or three bricks or collecting pieces of wood next to the road to put together improvised stoves.
The hands known for hitting powerful shots, six and four four windows in the neighborhood are useful in another way. They cut onions, wash wheat and lentils, clean the meat and reproduce for hours stirring the content of the boiler on Muharram 9 and 10.
Haleem cook all night. It is a slow cooking stew. Therefore, cooking preparations have been. No problem. No one minds. If a game of hands tires of agitation, another takes over. They can take turns, but nobody goes back.
You can witness such places of interest throughout the city: in lanes and streets, to the edges, trails and in roundabouts. They are especially present in areas from where the Muharram procession will pass. And it will be better for the Haleem to be ready by then.
Of course, every Haleem is not only cooked outdoors. It is also cooked in houses. But all the Haleem in these two days is cooked for the distribution of Niaz.
Haleem cooked together is also shared with mourning people during this period, especially in Ashura, and also with friends, family and the least fortunate.
It symbolizes charity, unity and respect, since most people who cook the traditional dish are Sunnas, who offer them to their Shiite brothers and sisters, who are occupied with their religious obligations during this time.
Posted in Dawn, July 6, 2025
