Thousands take part in 8th Muharram procession in Srinagar

Srinagar, July 04: Speaking on the preparations for the Muharram processions, the Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, stated that all necessary arrangements have been made by the police to ensure the safe and secure conduct of the event, as thousands of devotees participated in the 8th Muharram procession along M.A. Road in Srinagar.

Vijay Kumar Bidhuri said, “This is the third consecutive year that Muharram is being observed. The District Administration has made all necessary arrangements for the ‘azadaars’.” He added, “Police arrangements have been made with safety and security as the top priority.”

As the Amarnath Yatra is also taking place simultaneously, Bidhuri urged everyone to observe the Muharram procession strictly within its religious significance.

The Muharram processions in Kashmir, particularly on the 8th and 10th of Muharram, have deep religious significance for the Shia Muslim community. Historically, these processions would pass through central Srinagar, especially the traditional route from Abi Guzar to Zadibal, attracting thousands of mourners who commemorated the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS) through chest-beating (matam), elegies (nohas), and religious chants.

However, beginning in 1989, the state imposed a blanket ban on these central Muharram processions, citing law and order concerns.

As a result, for more than three decades, the major Muharram processions were disallowed in the city, while smaller, localized processions were permitted in Shia-majority areas like Zadibal, Budgam, and Magam. Attempts to defy the ban often led to clashes between mourners and security forces.

However, in recent years—particularly since 2021—there has been a gradual easing of restrictions, and by 2023, the 8th Muharram procession was officially allowed on Srinagar's M.A. Road under strict administrative and security oversight.