• Sabeels, medical camps line procession routes
• Traffic diversions enforced across Srinagar
• Elaborate security ensures peaceful observance: Police
Srinagar: Thousands of mourners participated in Youm-e-Ashura processions across Kashmir on Friday, with the historic Zuljinah procession at Zadibal in Srinagar witnessing one of the biggest congregations in recent years amid elaborate security and administrative arrangements.
Ashura, observed on the 10th day of Muharram, commemorates the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS), his family members and companions in the Battle of Karbala.
The main procession in Srinagar commenced from Imambara Gulshan Bagh in Zadibal at around 11 am and culminated at the revered Astan of Mir Shams-ud-Din Iraqi (RA) after passing through the traditional route.
The symbolic horse, Zuljinah, led the procession as mourners recited nohas and marsiyas, performed matam, and carried black flags and alams. Men, women, children and elderly devotees joined the procession, with many walking barefoot despite the summer heat.
Officials said Ashura processions and majalis were held peacefully across Srinagar and other districts including Budgam, Ganderbal, Baramulla, Bandipora and parts of south Kashmir.
Authorities had put in place a multi-layer security grid across major procession routes, particularly in Srinagar’s downtown areas. Personnel from Jammu and Kashmir Police, Traffic Police, Civil Police and Central Armed Police Forces were deployed at key locations to manage crowd movement and maintain security.
The largest Ashura procession was taken out from ImambaraMirgund, Budgam under the leadership of Agha Syed Hassan Al-Moosavi Al-Safavi. The procession passed through its traditional route and culminated at Dar-ul-Mustafa, Budgam, the residence of the late Agha Syed Mustafa Al-Moosavi Al-Safavi.
Similarly, the second major Ashura procession started from Zuljinah Gulshan Bagh, Madin Sahib, Bota Kadal, Srinagar and concluded at the Khanqah of Hazrat Mir Shams-ud-Din Iraqi (RA) in Zadibal, Srinagar. The procession was attended by Hujjat-ul-Islam Agha Syed Mujtaba Abbas Al-Moosavi Al-Safavi, representative of the Anjuman president.
On this occasion, Friday prayers were offered at Shaheed Agha Syed Mohammad Hussain Yadgar Park, Behesht-e-Zahra, Budgam, led by Agha Syed Hassan Al-Moosavi Al-Safavi.
Addressing the Ashura congregation, Agha Hassan highlighted various dimensions of the tragedy of Karbala and said that the great sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), along with his loyal family members and companions, represents the eternal victory of truth, justice, principles and human values over oppression, tyranny, authoritarianism and ego.
He said the tragedy of Karbala permanently shook the foundations of forced and hereditary rule, and after this great battle no ruler dared demand allegiance from the holy Ahl-e-Bait (AS).
During the gathering, it was also announced that Agha Syed Hassan Al-Moosavi Al-Safavi had received an invitation to attend the funeral ceremony in Iran of the martyred leader of the Islamic Revolution, Grand Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei.
Ashura processions were also held at several other places across Kashmir, including Budgam, Chadoora, Magam, Beerwah, Khag, Khan Sahib, Sonawari, Bandipora, Pattan, Baramulla, Uri, Ganderbal, Pulwama, Tral and Anantnag, among other areas.
Senior police officers monitored arrangements on the ground throughout the day.
A senior police officer told Kashmir Horizon that said extensive preparations had been made in advance in consultation with religious leaders, Imambara committees and civil administration.
“Security and facilitation arrangements were planned well in advance. The procession concluded peacefully due to strong coordination between the administration, police and the public,” the officer said.
Medical camps, ambulances, mobile emergency units, fire and emergency services, sanitation teams and drinking water facilities remained available throughout the day to assist participants.
Traffic Police also enforced a detailed diversion plan to ensure smooth movement of the procession. Traffic was diverted at several junctions including Firdous Cinema, Mill Stop, Lal Bazar, Bota Kadal and Ali Masjid, while commuters were advised to use alternate routes through Sazgaripora, Zoonimar, Mallabagh, Awantabhawan Road and Ali Jan Road.
Despite temporary diversions, traffic movement remained largely smooth in most areas.
Dozens of sabeels distributing water, milk and refreshments were set up by volunteers and local residents along the procession route. These stalls catered to thousands of mourners throughout the day.
In a notable gesture in Budgam, children distributed water bottles to security personnel deployed on Ashura duty, drawing appreciation from locals.
Volunteers at several locations also extended refreshments to police personnel, healthcare workers and sanitation staff engaged in facilitating the observance.
A local mourner, Zubair Ali, said the day carried deep spiritual significance.
“Ashura reminds us of sacrifice, truth and justice. The message of Karbala remains relevant for every generation,” he said.
Another participant, Ali Mohammad, said the annual observance helped preserve the legacy of Imam Hussain (AS).
“This procession keeps alive the teachings of patience, courage and resistance against oppression,” he said.
Religious scholars addressing majalis across Kashmir highlighted the significance of Karbala and called upon people to uphold values of justice, compassion and humanity.
The largest congregation remained concentrated in Zadibal, considered the focal point of Ashura commemorations in the Valley.
Police officials said the smooth conduct of the procession reflected effective coordination with community representatives and strong public cooperation.
The historic Zuljinah procession culminated peacefully at Astan Mir Shams-ud-Din Iraqi (RA), where mourners participated in concluding majalis, mourning rituals and special prayers.
No major untoward incident was reported from any part of the Valley during the day-long observance, officials said.
