Srinagar, Jun 24: From weeks of preparation and a city draped in black to a sea of mourners flowing through Srinagar city on Wednesday, the traditional 8th Muharram procession unfolded as a powerful expression of faith, sacrifice and collective remembrance.
As mourners filled the streets, children carrying Alams walked alongside elders, volunteers ran Sabeels across the route, religious leaders highlighted the message of humanity, and authorities ensured the peaceful conduct of one of Kashmir’s largest Muharram gatherings.
Thousands of mourners converged on the traditional Guru Bazar–Dalgate route for the procession commemorating the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions in Karbala.
Beginning in the early morning hours, the procession moved through Budshah Kadal, Jehangir Chowk and M.A. Road before culminating at Dalgate. The route echoed with Nauhas and elegies as mourners carrying black standards joined the procession from different districts of Kashmir.
Among the most heart-touching scenes were the participation of little children. Dressed in black, many carried miniature alams and flags, while others accompanied their parents and elders throughout the route. “Their presence symbolised the transmission of Karbala’s message of sacrifice, truth and resilience from one generation to another,” said Zainab Zahoor, mother of a three-year-old boy.
The entire city centre wore a distinctly Muharram look. Black flags fluttered from rooftops and market buildings, banners carrying religious messages lined major roads, while Guru Bazar emerged as the focal point of preparations. Dozens of sabeels, medical camps and volunteer-run service stalls remained operational throughout the day, offering water, refreshments and assistance to mourners.
Residents lined portions of the route, observing the procession from roadside spaces, while volunteers worked tirelessly to manage crowds and facilitate participants.
A multi-layered security and civic management plan remained in force throughout the observance. Personnel from Jammu & Kashmir Police, CRPF, traffic police and civil administration were deployed across strategic locations. Medical teams, sanitation workers, emergency response units and essential service departments remained on standby to ensure uninterrupted facilities.
Authorities had for the last several days finalised arrangements, including traffic diversions, parking facilities, route management, sanitation drives, healthcare services, drinking water supply and emergency preparedness. The administration also maintained close coordination with Muharram committees, religious organisations and volunteers.
Reviewing the arrangements, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg said the administration and stakeholders were working in complete coordination to ensure peaceful Muharram observances despite simultaneous preparations for the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra and the ongoing tourist season.
“Elaborate arrangements have been made for Muharram processions and gatherings. Public cooperation is crucial to ensuring the smooth conduct of all events,” Garg said, while thanking mourners, volunteers, media and various departments for their support.
RELIGIOUS LEADERS SPEAK:
Prominent Shia cleric Syed Mohammad Masroor Abbas Ansari described the 8th Muharram procession as a “message of humanity” and expressed gratitude to the administration for allowing the traditional procession after decades.
“The LG administration gave us the freedom to hold this mass gathering. We are grateful to them,” Ansari said. Referring to the revival of the traditional route after more than three decades, he said the development carried deep emotional and religious significance for the community.
On the upcoming Ashura procession, Ansari appealed to the administration to take what he called a “bold step” by permitting the traditional 10th Muharram procession. “For 35 years, governments could not do this due to bureaucratic pressure. This administration has the courage and strength,” he said.
He further urged authorities to allow the traditional Ashura route to culminate at Zadibal, saying it would enable people to exercise their constitutional religious freedom in a peaceful, disciplined and organised manner.
Cleric Aga Syed Mujtaba called for the restoration of the traditional Ashura procession in Srinagar, asserting that the prevailing security environment is conducive to its peaceful conduct. “The 8th Muharram procession has been observed smoothly for the past three consecutive years, reflecting improved administrative coordination, effective security management and public cooperation. We hope the authorities would extend similar permission for the traditional 10th Muharram procession, allowing devotees to observe their religious practices in a peaceful and disciplined manner,” he said.
Several other leaders addressing mourners along the route highlighted the universal message of Karbala, calling for justice, patience, unity and peaceful coexistence while emphasising the values embodied by Imam Hussain (AS).
MESSAGE FROM THE MOURNERS
Tahir Ali, a mourner from central Kashmir’s Budgam district, said, it is not merely a procession, but a journey of remembrance and sacrifice. “People wait throughout the year for this day,” he said.
Another participant, Mubashir Hassan, said the gathering reflected both grief and unity. “You can see people from every corner of Kashmir here. The arrangements by volunteers and authorities have helped everything move smoothly,” he said.
The traditional 8th Muharram procession along the Guru Bazar–Dalgate route was revived after remaining suspended for more than three decades. Since its restoration, it has once again emerged as one of the largest religious gatherings in Kashmir, attracting thousands of mourners annually.
The procession commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS), his family members and companions in the Battle of Karbala and symbolises the timeless values of sacrifice, justice, truth and resistance against oppression— (KNO)
