Ashura observed with religious fervor

Srinagar: The police on Friday detained scores of mourners as they tried to take out an Ashura procession in Srinagar’s Lal Chowk even as Ashura processions were taken out in different parts of the Jammu and Kashmir on the eve of 10th Muharram, marking the martyrdom anniversary of Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) and 72 martyrs at Karbala (Iraq) for the protection of Islam.
Reports said scores of Shia mourners managed to reach the city center Lal Chowk despite strict restrictions to foil any march.
The mourners were detained near Badshah Chowk Lal Chowk where restrictions remained in place along with other parts of the Srinagar city to prevent the 10th Muharram procession.
The authorities imposed restrictions in parts of the Srinagar city including Rainawari, Nowhatta, Khanyar, M.R.Gunj and Safa Kadal in the old city areas and uptown Kothibagh area to prevent the 10th Muharram procession.
Meanwhile, thousands of mourners took out Ashura procession in Old City here. The procession was taken out from BotaKadal area of Srinagar that passed through Alamgari Bazar and other areas of Downtown before culminating at the historic Imambara at Zadibal Alamgari Bazar here. It was the largest Zuljanah procession in Valley.
The groups of the mourners, most of them bare-footed, were seen striking their chest and head with hands as they continued to recite Nowha and Marsiya to pay accolade to the martyrs of Karbala.
Many devotees were also seen touching Zuljannah with reverence.
People, especially from Sunni sect, were seen offering refreshments including special drinks and food to the mourners.
The second major procession was taken out at Imambara of Mirgund and it after passing through various lanes and by-lanes, culminated at the historic Imambara of Budgam in the central Kashmir.
Reports of Zuljinnah and Alam processions were also received from all districts of the valley including Dab Wakora (Ganderbal), Pandraithan and Hassanabad in Srinagar, Pattan, Qazipora in Baramulla district, Panner Jagir village of Tral, Gongwa, Wakharwan, Chhatergul, Sallar and Devsar in South Kashmir.
Reports of Ashoora processions were also received from Jammu including Pir Mitha Imam Bada. The processions passed through Lakhadata Bazar, Kanak Mandi, Rajinder Bazar and Shaheedi Chowk.
In Leh and Kargil Taziya processions were taken out where thousands of mourners participated. Reports said that the administration had made adequate arrangements to ensure a trouble-free procession. (GNS)