'Iran's win will be our Eid': Young Kashmiri girl donates her savings to support people affected by war

India and indans kindness has won the hearts of Iranians, yes you heard that right. Residents in parts of Kashmir have launched a donation drive, contributing cash, gold jewellery, and traditional copper utensils to support civilians affected by the ongoing conflict in Iran, now in its fourth week.

Volunteers in Shia-dominated areas, including Budgam and Baramulla, organised door-to-door collections following Eid-ul-Fitr. Participation was widespread, with men, women, and even children contributing—many donating their savings and Eid money.

The Embassy of Iran in India shared photos and videos on X, thanking Indians for their "kindness" and "humanity" in supporting relief efforts.

Video shows a young girl donating cash and says she will celebrate Eid when Iran wins.

Take a look

When schools and colleges reopened in Kashmir on Monday after the Eid holiday, Afreen visited an Imambara in Budgam district before attending college. The 20-year-old student said she and her family had contributed cash and valuables to support Iran amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

As the large congregational hall of the Imambara echoed with prayers and pledges, supporters arrived with cash, cheques, gold, silver, copper utensils, cashmere shawls, and other valuables. For the local Shia community, this was more than financial aid—it was a profound emotional and political expression, rooted in faith.

"When we say our lives are a ransom for the Rehbar (Ayatollah Khamenei), this is a small gesture to contribute to his mission. I had some savings in cash, so I donated it today. My friend had gold, and she gave that as well," Afreen said.

The Iranian embassy in Delhi posted a series of messages on X expressing gratitude to the people of Kashmir.

In another instance, a woman walked into a collection centre in Budgam with gold jewellery—the last gift from her late spouse, who died 28 years ago. She said she could not hold back and chose to donate her most cherished possession to help Iran.

Children were also seen contributing at every collection centre. On Eid, children receive Eidi—a cherished tradition of money and gifts—and many donated their piggy banks and Eidi the very next day. There is no centralised data yet to assess the total donations collected over the past two days.

Alongside the Iran conflict, the reported death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has deeply affected his followers worldwide. In Kashmir, protests were witnessed following his killing in a US-Israeli bombing.

For Shia Muslims, an Ayatollah is regarded as a representative of Imam Ghayib (linked to the belief in Imam Mehdi). His death is seen as the loss of an Imam, Marja Taqlid (source of emulation), and Wali al Faqih (guardian jurist).

As collection centres were set up after Eid, people rushed to donate. One man offered his truck, others donated bikes, while some brought livestock. Large amounts of cash, along with gold ornaments such as earrings, bangles, coins, and rings, were seen at donation sites.

"We are making these donations for Islam. We are defending our faith, which we believe is under attack by Israel and the US. Unfortunately, no Muslim country has come forward to help Iran," said Ajaz Hussain, one of the donors.