Srinagar: It was a sea of mourners as black-clad devotees flooded the streets across Kashmir on Friday as Youm-e-Ashura was observed with profound grief, devotion and solemnity.
Men, women, children and elderly mourners joined Ashura processions, majalis and religious gatherings across the Valley, while historic Zuljinah procession at Zadibal in Srinagar witnessed one of its largest turnouts, with thousands of mourners marching from Imambara Gulshan Bagh to the revered Astan Mir Shams-ud-Din Iraqi (RA) at Zadibal in remembrance of the supreme sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS), his family members and loyal companions in the Battle of Karbala.
The Zuljinah procession at the traditional route in Srinagar began at around 11 am, with the symbolic horse of Imam Hussain (AS) leading the mourners through the traditional route.
Echoes of “Ya Hussain” filled the air as devotees recited marsiyas and nohas, performed matam, carried black flags and alams and walked for several kilometres, many of them barefoot despite the summer heat as a mark of mourning and reverence.
People from different communities lined the procession route, while many watched from rooftops, balconies and roadsides. Volunteers continuously distributed water, milk and refreshments through dozens of sabeels set up across the route, symbolising the spirit of service and remembrance associated with Karbala.
Police personnel, health workers and sanitation staff were also seen interacting with volunteers at several points during the day.
The administration had put in place elaborate arrangements for the peaceful observance of Ashura. A multi-tier security grid was deployed along the procession route, while senior police and civil administration officers monitored arrangements on the ground.
Medical camps, ambulances, fire and emergency services, sanitation teams, municipal workers and drinking water facilities remained available throughout the day.
Traffic Police also enforced a comprehensive diversion plan across downtown Srinagar to facilitate the smooth movement of the procession. Traffic was diverted at Firdous Cinema, Mill Stop, Lal Bazar, Bota Kadal, Ali Masjid and other key junctions, while commuters were advised to use alternate routes through Sazgaripora, Zoonimar, Mallabagh, Awantabhawan Road and Ali Jan Road.
Heartwarming scenes were witnessed in different parts of the Valley. In Budgam, little children distributed water bottles to security personnel deployed on Ashura duty, drawing appreciation from locals.
At several places, volunteers extended refreshments not only to mourners but also to police personnel, healthcare workers and civic staff, reflecting the spirit of compassion and service.
PM, LG, CM, others pay tributes to Hazrat Imam Hussain on Ashura
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday remembered the sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and said it continues to inspire many people to remain steadfast in the pursuit of truth and justice.
The prime minister conveyed the message on the occasion of Ashura, the tenth day of the Islamic month of Muharram.
“The sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) continues to inspire many people to remain steadfast in the pursuit of truth and justice. It is also a reminder of the enduring power of courage and conviction,” PM Modi said in a post on ‘X’.
Ashura is observed by Shia Muslims to commemorate the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), at the Battle of Karbala.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also paid tributes to Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA).
“The supreme sacrifices of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions at Karbala remain a timeless beacon for humanity, upholding truth, justice, and human dignity,” the LG Sinha said.
He asked the people to resolve to imbibe these universal ideals and work together to build a peaceful, progressive, and equitable society.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah paid tributes to Imam Hussain and his followers, lauding them for their unparalleled sacrifice for truth, justice and righteousness.
In his message on Ashura, the chief minister said the tragedy of Karbala remains an eternal symbol of courage, steadfastness and resistance against tyranny.
“The message of Karbala transcends time and geography. It inspires humanity to stand firm in the face of injustice, uphold moral values and safeguard the principles of truth and righteousness, irrespective of the challenges,” the CM said.
National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah paid glowing tributes to Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and his loyal companions saying that the unparalleled sacrifice of Karbala continues to illuminate the path of truth, justice, steadfastness and unwavering faith for all humanity.
“The supreme sacrifice rendered by Hazrat Imam Aali Maqam (AS), along with his family members and devoted companions, stands as an eternal symbol of resistance against tyranny, oppression, falsehood, and injustice,” Farooq Abdullah said.
He said that Imam Hussain (AS) does not belong to any particular sect or community alone, “rather, his legacy is the collective inheritance of the entire Ummah and all mankind”.
“The sacrifice of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) conveys a timeless lesson that those who remain steadfast upon truth and principles attain immortality in the hearts of people, while oppressors, despite fleeting worldly victories, are destined for disgrace and condemnation in history.
“The tragedy of Karbala teaches us the values of patience, sacrifice, faithfulness and absolute submission to the will of Almighty Allah,” the NC chief said.
He prayed that the sacred occasion of Youm-e-Ashura becomes a source of peace, prosperity, communal harmony, and divine blessings for the people of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh, as well as the entire nation.
Paying rich tributes to Imam Hussain (AS) and his companions, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti described their sacrifice as the highest embodiment of truth, justice and steadfast resistance against tyranny.
“The eternal sacrifice of Imam Hussain (AS) and his noble companions in the plains of Karbala is the zenith of human endeavour to stand by truth against oppression, justice confronting tyranny, and the refusal of a small caravan of righteousness to bow before the forces of Yazidiyat,” she said.
Mufti said Imam Hussain (AS) taught humanity that silence in the face of injustice amounts to a betrayal of conscience.
She said the message of Karbala remains profoundly relevant. “From Palestine to Myanmar, and wherever people continue to endure pain, persecution and the longing for justice, the spirit of Karbala reminds us that no darkness can extinguish the light of truth and that the blood of martyrs nurtures the cause of righteousness,” she said.
Peoples Conference president and MLA Handwara, Sajad Gani Lone said the battle of Karbala stands as an eternal testament to the triumph of truth over oppression and justice over tyranny.
He stated that the sacrifice of Imam Hussain (AS) was not bound by time, geography or community, but remains a universal symbol of moral courage and the unwavering pursuit of righteousness.
