Srinagar: Amid restrictions, Ashura processions were taken out in different parts of the Kashmir Valley 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.
Curfew-like restrictions were imposed in parts of the city as a preventive measure to maintain “law and order” on the occasion of Muharram.
Thousands of mourners took out Ashura procession in Old City here. After passing from several localities including Lal Bazar, Bagwanpora, Bota Kadal and Hawal, it will culminate into the ‘Majlis-e-Shaam-e-Gareebaan’ at the historic Imambara at Zadibal Alamgari Bazar here on late Sunday evening.
It’s the largest Zuljanah procession in Valley in which thousands of mourners participated.
Most of the mourners 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.
Small groups of the mourners, most of them bare-footed, were seen striking sharp edged blades and knives on various body parts. Apart from make shift tents, ambulances with doctors, para-medics and medicines were kept ready at the place by the state administration.
Many devotees were seen touching Zuljannah with reverence while several were seen passing the young children under it.
People, especially from Sunni sect, were also seen offering refreshments including special drinks and food to the mourners.
The second major procession was reported at Imambara of Mirgund and it after passing through various lanes and by-lanes, would end at the historic Imambara of Budgam in the central Kashmir.
A large procession was also taken from Babapora Magam which culminated at Ahmadpora in the Budgam.
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, 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 also taken out in which hundreds of mourners participated.