Mourners from Karnataka Pay Tribute to Ayatollah Khamenei in Iran

The funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei drew thousands, including a significant group from Alipura village in Karnataka, India. This village has historical ties to Khamenei, dating back to his visit in 1981. The community's strong connections to Iran are evident through their religious and cultural exchanges, with many students traveling to Iran for education. The mourning period declared by the villagers reflects their deep respect and connection to the late leader. This article explores the historical significance of these ties and the impact of Khamenei's legacy on the community.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 10, 2026, 14:22 IST

A Historic Farewell

Thousands gathered to honor the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader, who lost his life during the U.S.-Israel conflict. Among the attendees were several delegates from India, including a group of 100 mourners from Alipura village in Karnataka's Chikkaballapur district. This village, often referred to as the 'Gems Village of South India,' has historical ties to Khamenei, who visited in 1981 at the invitation of then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. This visit left a lasting impact, leading to the renaming of the village's main road to Imam Khomeini Road, and it is frequently called Mini Iran.

Alipura is predominantly inhabited by Shia Muslims, with smaller communities of Hindus and Christians. The village is known for its strong cultural and religious connections to Iran, making it a popular destination for theological and medical studies.

For many years, students from Alipura have traveled to Iranian cities like Qom and Mashhad for religious education, and numerous villagers visit Iran for pilgrimage. This reflects the profound connection that India's Shia community has with Iran. The cultural and religious exchanges have fortified the bonds between these regions, with many families in Alipura viewing Iran as a spiritual hub.

Reports indicate that Khamenei also played a role in establishing the Imam Khomeini Medical Trust (IKMT). According to the Alipur Info website, the hospital was founded under the guidance of Sigathul Islam Maulana Syed Abbas Hussain Baqri Saheb Qibla, with Khamenei's support after his visit to Alipura in 1980. The hospital commenced operations in 1991.

Upon hearing of Khamenei's passing, the villagers declared a three-day mourning period, halting all celebrations and organizing special prayers at the mosque. Mourners donned black attire, waved black flags, and marched in protest against the circumstances surrounding Khamenei's death, which was reportedly due to shelling.

The Kintoor Connection

Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, hosts one of India's largest Shia communities. The historical ties between the Ayatollahs and India trace back to Kintoor, a village near Lucknow, which is the ancestral home of Ruhollah Khomeini, the former revolutionary leader of Iran. Khomeini's grandfather, Syed Ahmad Musavi Hindi, was born in Kintoor and later settled in Khomein, Iran, after a pilgrimage to Najf in his twenties. Khamenei, who was Khomeini's student and confidant during the 1979 Iranian Revolution, succeeded him as the second Supreme Leader of Iran in 1989.