Inclusive subcultures of Azadari rituals

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The tradition of Azadari is undoubtedly the highest form of subcontinent’s composite culture. There is no tradition or set of rituals which has crossed the divides of religions, ethnicity, geography, caste or creed like Azadari has. The amount of literature produced in desi-lands on Azadari is matchless — this includes most languages spoken here. As an example, Urdu language wouldn’t have been what it is today if it was not gifted with the tradition of marsia-khwani through Azadari in Awadh. You will struggle to find a single poet, writer or intellectual who has not made contribution to Azadari — this includes many Hindu, Sikh and Brahmin writers. From Ghalib to Mir Anees, Mirza Dabeer to Mahinder Singh Bedi the list is endless.

The symbolism, imagery, art and craft associated with Azadari has given birth to several subcultures of Azadari. The beauty of Azadari lies in its inclusiveness i.e. it has remained open to people of all or no faith, people of all sexual orientations, people from all walks of life, beyond ethnic origin and financial status. Azadari has also been open to let itself assimilate in local cultures of where its practiced — this has given birth to local sub cultures of Azadari. While its practiced all over the world from islands of Trinidad to plains of Punjab, from…