Women in Najaf observe tradition baking pastries on the anniversary of the Prophet’s death

NAJAF, September 12 — Women in Najaf are are traditions alive on the anniversary of the Prophet Muhammad’s death, gathering in homes to hold mourning ceremonies and distribute local pastries.

The prices of pastries have significantly increased in the past two days due to the growing demand to observe these traditional rituals in Mashkab.

The demand is limited to a specific type of local pastry, which is circular in shape and known for its sweet taste. Until last week, the price per kilogram was 2,000 dinars, but it has now risen to 3,500 dinars.

Um Muhammad Al-Shamri, a resident of Mashkab, said: “I am keen on these rituals every year. I used to make the pastries by hand, but as I got older, I started buying them from bakeries. Women in the area gather on this day every year to hold a mourning ceremony inside our homes and distribute local pastries with tea to commemorate the death of the Prophet.”

Hassan Al-Fatlawi, the owner of a local bakery, added: “We have witnessed a surge in pastry demand over the past two days, especially from women and procession participants. I prepare the pastry dough at night and bake it in the morning to sell it hot, which is preferred by customers.”