The Festival of Pirs is an ethnographic study of the religious life of the village of Gugudu in Andhra Pradesh. It focuses on the public event of Muharram, which is practiced by urban Shi'i communities across South Asia, but takes on a strikingly different color in Gugudu because of the central place of a local pir, or saint, called Kullayappa. The story of Kullayappa is pivotal in Gugudu's religious culture, effectively displacing the better-known story of Imam Hussain from Shi'a Islam, and each year 300,000 pilgrims from across South India visit this remote village to express their devotion to Kullayappa. As with many villages in South India, Gugudu is mostly populated by non-Muslims, yet Muslim rituals and practices play a crucial role in its devotion. In the words of one devotee, "There is no Hindu or Muslim. They all have one religion, which is called 'Kullayappa devotion (bhakti).'" Afsar Mohammad explores how the diverse religious life in the village of Gugudu expands our notions of devotion to the martyrs of Karbala, not only in this particular village but also in the wider world.

About the Author
Afsar Mohammad is Lecturer in Asian Studies at the University of Texas at Austin.

Reviews
The author fills a gap in Muharram studies by describing the period's multifaceted nature in a south Indian village, where the focus is on a local Muslim saint named Kullayappa. By emphasizing the shared nature of rituals and narratives, he demonstrates that the period provides benefits for everyone, regardless of caste or creed. It is a refreshing reminder that Muslims and Hindus can live together, despite competing claims of religious authority and authenticity. * Frank J. Korom, Professor of Religion & Anthropology, Boston University *



Book Information
ISBN 9780199997589
Author Afsar Mohammad
Format Hardback
Page Count 224
Imprint Oxford University Press Inc
Publisher Oxford University Press Inc
Weight(grams) 499g
Dimensions(mm) 160mm * 236mm * 18mm