By Syed Burhan/ Majid Nabi
Srinagar- Youm-e-Ashura was observed on Wednesday with reverence and religious fervor throughout Jammu , Kashmir and Ladakh to pay tributes to Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions.
Every year, this day is observed on 10th Muharram to commemorate the supreme sacrifice rendered by Imam Hussain and his 72 companions at Karbala to uphold the truth.
Alam and Zuljanah processions were taken out in all districts across Kashmir.
Biggest Ashura procession was taken out in Zadibal Srinagar in which tens of thousands of mourners took part. A large number of women also participated in the procession.
However, the traditional procession that was being carried out from Abi Guzar to Zadibal was not allowed. The procession continues to remain banned since 1989.
The procession started from Gulshan Bagh, Madin Sahab and passed through different localities before culminating at the shrine of Mir Shams-uddin Araki in Zadibal interiors in the evening.
Mourners passed through the city roads, eulogizing imam Hussain’s sacrifice in the fight between good and evil.
Another Zuljana procession was taken out from Saidakadal to Imambara Hassanabad area in the old city, with thousands of mourner’s draped in black dresses; reciting elegies to Imam Hussain (AS) were wailing and beating their chests all the way to commemorate supreme sacrifices rendered by prophet’s family in the battle of Karbala.
Similar processions were taken out in other districts of Kashmir including Dangerpora Bandipora, Shadipora Bandipora, Delina Baramulla, Mirgund Pattan, Hygam Sopore, Ahmadpora Pattan, Gund Pattan, Gund, Devsar Kulgam, Gund Khawaja Qasim, Panear Tral, Sofipora Pahalgam, Hanjiveera, Balhama, Chattergul Achabal etc.
Reports of Zuljana procession were taken out from Gazi Manzil to Imambara Yousefabad, Magam, Iskinderpora Beerwah and Sonpah areas in central Budgam district.
All government and semi government offices, banks, educational institutions, shops and business establishments remained closed in Kashmir including the summer capital Srinagar while a nominal movement of private and public transport was witnessed on the roads.
Authorities had made elaborate security arrangements in Srinagar with additional deployment of police and paramilitary forces on roads to ensure the day passes off peacefully. Officials told Kashmir Observer that the situation remained peaceful with no untoward incident reported from anywhere in the valley.
However, the authorities had imposed restrictions at Abiguzar area, the traditional route where from main Zuljana procession was taken out till 1989.
In a bid to provide relief to mourners, locals had installed water sprinklers on midways and roadsides for mourners participating in Muharram processions. Besides, people were seen washing the feet of barefooted mourners with pipes.
Many non-Muslims attended the procession. A group of Sikh volunteers distributed water among the mourners.
Ashok Kumar, a Kashmiri Pandit, who joined the procession said that he draws solace by attendedinh the procession.
“Imam Hussain belongs to all communities across different faiths. He was a nonviolent person who sacrificed his life for truth, justice and equality.” Kumar said.
“We are one, and it is good that all communities are present in the procession,” he added.
Satish Pandita, another Hindu, distributed water bottles among the mourners. Scores of Pandit women also joined the Muharram procession.
Authorities had made adequate arrangements for ensuring incident-free observance of the Muharram procession, officials said.
Security forces were deployed all along the route while police and volunteers had set up stalls to distribute water among the mourners, they said.
The officials said doctors and paramedical staff were also deployed along the route to attend to any emergency.
Several volunteer groups had set up camps along the route of procession where hot and cold beverages were being served to mourners.
The Sunni Muslims also organized Ijtimas on the occasion in local Masjids here, during which the clerics threw light on the teachings of Imam Husain (AS) and also narrated the events of Karbala.
A daylong congregation was organized by Khanqah-e-Hyderi in Anantnag district which was attended by hundreds of people. Speaking on the occasion, patron Kashnqah-e-Hyderi Dr Sameer Siddiqi paid glowing tributes to Imam Hussain (A.S) and his companions.
“Imam Hussain (A.S) belongs to everybody regardless of faith. He fought for human values 1400 centuries ago and his message must be propagated throughout the world.” Sameer said.
Reports of Ashura processions were also received from Jammu including Pir Mitha Imam Bada and after passing through Lakhdata Bazar, Kanak Mandi, Rajinder Bazar and Shaheedi Chowk.
Thousands assembled in Imambargah of Poyeen and took out a procession which moved through the main market of Kargil town with one ending at Islamia School Kargil and another at Youth Park Kargil.
Ashura culminated with the majlis-e- Sham-e-Ghareeban “The Evening of the Destitute’.
Biggest majlis was held in Zadibal at Astan-e-Aalya Syed Hassan (R.A) at Nabdipora. Leading Shia cleric Maulana Masroor Abbas Ansari delivered sermon on the importance of the tragic night. Later an Alam procession was carried out which saw attendance of hundreds of people.
Sham-e-Ghareeban was also observed across other Kashmir districts as well.
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