For the best experience, open
https://m.greaterkashmir.com
on your mobile browser.

Ashura observed across J&K

The day was marked by massive mourning processions, religious gatherings, and the retelling of the Karbala tragedy that remains etched in the collective memory of the Islamic world
11:43 PM Jul 06, 2025 IST | SHABIR IBN YUSUF
The day was marked by massive mourning processions, religious gatherings, and the retelling of the Karbala tragedy that remains etched in the collective memory of the Islamic world
ashura observed across j k
Mubashir Khan/GK
Advertisement

Srinagar, Jul 6: Ashura, the 10th day of Muharram marking the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS), the beloved grandson of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), and his companions at the Battle of Karbala over 1400 years ago, was observed with deep reverence and religious solemnity across Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday.

Advertisement

The day was marked by massive mourning processions, religious gatherings, and the retelling of the Karbala tragedy that remains etched in the collective memory of the Islamic world.

In Srinagar, the largest Ashura procession commenced early Sunday morning from Bota Kadal. The procession made its way through various localities before culminating in the evening at the historic Imambargah Zadibal, located in the old city.

Advertisement

Thousands of Azadars (mourners), dressed in black and bearing Islamic banners and placards, walked the procession route in synchronised chants of ‘Ya Hussain,’ mourning the unparalleled sacrifice of Imam Hussain (AS) and his 72 companions in the plains of Karbala in 680 CE (61 AH).

Advertisement

The commemorations included the ceremonial Alam (banner) and Zuljanah (replica of Imam Hussain (AS)’s horse) processions.

Advertisement

These processions, deeply symbolic in Shia tradition, reenacted the events of Karbala and were taken out across all districts of Kashmir.

Advertisement

Notable locations where massive processions were witnessed include Alipur, Bota Kadal, Mirgund, Budgam, Ganderbal, Pattan, Qazipora, Sallar, Chhatergul, Tral, and Devsar, Kulgam.

Advertisement

In central Kashmir’s Budgam district, thousands participated in processions from Gazi Manzil to Imambargah Yousufabad, Magam, and Sonpah.

In north Kashmir, processions passed through Hanjiveera, Dab Wakora, and Baramulla, while in south Kashmir, rallies and gatherings were organised in Achabal, Sofipora Pahalgam, and Dangerpora, among others.

Leading the main procession in Srinagar were senior Shia clerics, who delivered powerful sermons recalling the teachings, values, and ultimate sacrifice of Imam Hussain (AS).

They emphasised the timeless relevance of the Karbala tragedy as a symbol of resistance against tyranny and oppression.

Prominent religious and community leaders joined the procession and addressed mourners, reiterating the messages of unity, sacrifice, and moral integrity.

Many clerics also used the occasion to call for interfaith harmony and understanding.

Sunni Muslims also observed the solemn day by organising Ijtimas (religious gatherings) in local Masjids where scholars and clerics highlighted the legacy of Imam Hussain (AS) and the moral lessons from the Karbala tragedy.

Although no formal restrictions were imposed across Kashmir, a massive security apparatus was put in place as a precautionary measure.

Additional Police and paramilitary deployments were seen at Lal Chowk, Jehangir Chowk, Maisuma, Kral Khud, M R Gunj, Nowhatta, Khanyar, and other sensitive areas of Srinagar to ensure the peaceful conduct of processions.

The authorities had set up kiosks and control rooms to coordinate security, facilitate traffic management, and assist mourners along the designated routes.

According to officials, security personnel were under strict instructions to allow processions and gatherings without interference, and to ensure no force was used under any circumstances.

This hands-off approach was widely appreciated by the community and contributed to the overall peaceful conduct of the events.

Local volunteer groups, NGOs, and youth organisations had set up sabeels (refreshment stalls) throughout the procession routes, providing free drinking water, tea, snacks, and medical aid to participants.

These acts of service not only facilitated the smooth movement of processions but also showcased the spirit of selflessness and communal solidarity that characterise Muharram observances.

In areas like Baarji Harwan, Bemina, Panear, and Balhama, small processions and Majalis (religious gatherings) were also reported, adding to the spiritual fervour of the day. Ashura, observed on the 10th of Muharram, not only marks a tragic chapter in Islamic history but also serves as a universal symbol of the fight against injustice.

ASHURA PROCESSION IN JAMMU

A grand and spiritually charged procession was taken out from Imambargah Sofi Shah, Peer Mitha, in Jammu.

Organised under the banner of Anjuman-e-Imamia Jammu, the procession witnessed participation from thousands of mourners.

The faithful paid tributes to Imam Hussain (AS).

The procession commenced after a brief Majlis (religious sermon) was delivered at the Imambargah by renowned scholar Moulana Syed Safdar Hussain Bakiri Nowgama Sadat.

In his address, he emphasised the significance of Imam Hussain (AS)’s sacrifice and urged the community to follow the path of Karbala, which exemplifies courage, resistance, and moral integrity in the face of oppression.

After traversing its traditional route through the heart of the city, the procession culminated at the Karbala Complex on Wazarat Road, where the emotionally resonant Majlis-e-Sham-e-Ghariban address was also delivered by Moulana Bakir.

Advertisement