Mourning in Bengal on Khamenei's death, no celebration on Ramzan and Eid - announcement of 40 days mourning by hoisting black flag

Asansol: There is an atmosphere of mourning among the Iranian community living in Bengal over the death of Iran's 86-year-old supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. It is being told that he was killed in a joint attack by Israel and America on 28 February 2026, which was confirmed by the Iranian government on 1 March. After this, Mojtaba Khamenei has been named the next supreme leader of Iran.The situation still remains tense in Iran after this incident. At the same time, Iran is also responding to the attack on itself. In such a situation, it would be too early to say anything about the future direction of this conflict that has started between these countries. Here in India, especially in West Bengal, deep sorrow is being seen over this incident among the people of the Iranian community who have been living for hundreds of years. The people of the community have decided not to celebrate Ramzan and Eid and have announced to mourn for 40 days by putting black flags in front of their respective houses.People of Irani community living in many areas including Pandeshwar of Asansol, Murshidabad, Adra and Hooghly of Purulia district are expressing their condolences by putting black flags outside their houses.70 year old Rustam Ali Khan, living in Irani colony of Pandeshwar, says that he was born in Bengal. According to him, his ancestors came to India from Iran during the Mughal period. Today, apart from Bengal, his family members live in many states including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand. He told that the main occupation of the people of his community has been the trading of stone rings, spectacles, spices, bangles and make-up items, which continues even today. According to Rustam Ali Khan, the land where they are living was given to his ancestors by the Government of Iran to live on. Along with the Madrasa and Mosque, houses for living were also built here. He told that now he has all the Indian documents including Aadhar Card, Voter ID, PAN Card. Besides, they are also availing the benefits of various schemes of the Central and State Government. Rustam Ali Khan says he identifies himself as an “Indian Iranian” and is proud of it.