Mehdi Ali, a 25-year-old civil engineering student from Afghanistan's Ghazni province, traveled to Sopore in north Kashmir to participate in the 10th Muharram procession.
Accompanied by his university professor and good friend, he spent three days in Sopore, where he joined the locals in decorating the streets to honor Imam Hussain's martyrdom.
Mehdi was warmly embraced by the people of Saidpura village, who were curious about his background. Despite being far from his homeland, he felt a deep sense of belonging and connection with the locals, realizing that the grief of Ashura transcends cultural and national boundaries. Although it was his first time in Kashmir, he was eager to explore the beauty of the land and share the wonders he experienced with others.
