Piggy banks and family gold: Kashmir sends aid to Iran, Tehran says “kindness won’t be forgotten.”

From children emptying their piggy banks to families parting with treasured gold jewellery, residents across parts of Kashmir have joined a humanitarian drive to support civilians affected by the ongoing war in Iran.

A day after Eid celebrations, youth volunteers launched house-to-house donation drives in several Shia-dominated localities, collecting cash, gold jewellery, copper utensils and other valuables for relief efforts. Volunteers also set up collection points at mosques and community spaces , where residents brought contributions for those affected by the conflict.

The campaign has been particularly visible in districts such as Budgam and Baramulla, which have sizable Shia populations. Officials said people from all walks of life, including men, women and children , participated in the initiative.

Women were among the most active contributors, donating jewellery and household items, while some families also offered livestock as part of the relief effort. Children also joined the campaign by donating their savings, Eid money and piggy bank collections , reflecting participation across generations.

Some gestures carried deep emotional value. In one widely shared instance, a Kashmiri widow donated gold preserved for nearly 28 years as a memory of her late husband , highlighting the symbolic nature of contributions ranging from small savings to cherished family heirlooms.

Residents involved in the drive said the initiative was motivated by humanitarian concern. Aijaz Ahmad, a resident of Rainawari, said the devastation caused by the war had prompted people to contribute whatever they could to support those suffering.

The initiative gained momentum after the Iranian embassy shared official bank details seeking humanitarian assistance , while Budgam MLA Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi pledged one month’s salary towards the relief effort.

Sharing photographs of the donations on X, the Embassy of Iran in India thanked the people of Kashmir for their “humanitarian support and heartfelt solidarity” , saying “this kindness and humanity will never be forgotten.”

The collected donations are expected to be channelled through official relief organisations and the Iranian mission to ensure assistance reaches civilians affected by the conflict.