Aishmuqam Illuminated: Torchlit Zool Festival Rekindles Spirit of Devotion, Heritage

Kupwara : As twilight blankets the rugged landscapes of South Kashmir, the steep trails leading to the revered shrine of Sakhi Zain-ud-Din Wali in Aishmuqam shimmer under the golden glow of flaming torches. Known locally as Zool, this ancient spring festival breathes life into the hills each April, weaving together mysticism, folklore, and a deep-rooted spiritual identity.
Marking the start of the agricultural season, Zool is more than just a festival — it’s a powerful emblem of hope, marking the eternal triumph of good over evil, light over darkness. It is a celebration born of both history and faith, kept alive by generations who continue to honor the legacy of the 15th-century Sufi saint whose presence still lingers in the cave shrine. Legend speaks of Zain-ud-Din Wali — once Zia Singh, a prince from Kishtwar — who renounced his royal lineage and embraced the Sufi path under the spiritual guidance of Sheikh Noor-ud-Din Wali. His years of solitary meditation in the hilltop cave culminated in a mystical victory over a fearsome demon that plagued the region. The Zool festival commemorates this spiritual conquest. As the sun dips behind the Pir Panjal range, villagers light up the dusk with flaming pinewood torches, parading through the narrow lanes in reverent procession. The atmosphere fills with the rhythm of Sufi chants, mingling with the scent of burning incense and roasted corn. For the devotees, each flame is a sacred offering — a silent prayer for prosperity, protection, and inner peace. “This isn’t just tradition — it’s a way of living,” says 72-year-old Ghulam Qadir, who has been part of the ritual for over six decades. “Each flame is a remembrance of the blessings bestowed by Zain Sahib.” The week-long event transforms the shrine into a vibrant mosaic of color and devotion. Devotees from across Kashmir and even beyond arrive with offerings, some barefoot, others bearing candles or shawls — all seeking blessings, healing, or simply the comfort of reconnecting with their roots. Despite modern influences creeping into everyday Kashmiri life, Zool endures as a timeless testament to faith and collective memory. It is a celebration that resists erasure, standing firm like the mountains that surround it. As the final flames flicker out beneath the clear night sky, the faithful descend quietly, their hearts warmed by devotion. The cave shrine returns to its silent vigil, holding within its ancient stones the echoes of song, the scent of fire, and the stories of a people fiercely tethered to their sacred past.