Jammu and Kashmir Celebrates 8th Muharram Procession with Peace and Unity

Successful 8th Muharram Procession in Srinagar

On Friday, the Jammu and Kashmir administration successfully organized the 8th Muharram procession along its traditional route in Lal Chowk, Srinagar, marking the third consecutive year of this event. Thousands of mourners participated, beginning their journey at 5:00 AM from Guru Bazar and concluding at Dalgate, passing through Budshah Kadal and Maulana Azad Road.

After being prohibited for over 35 years due to security issues from the late 1980s, the procession was reinstated in 2023, a move that has been positively received by various religious and civil society groups. The administration demonstrated its commitment to a peaceful observance through extensive security and logistical measures, coordinated by Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bidhuri and senior police officials, alongside representatives from Shia organizations.

To ensure safety and order during the procession, traffic police issued prior advisories, limiting vehicle movement along the route and redirecting traffic through alternative paths.

The atmosphere during the procession was serene, with Aazadar-e-Hussain marching peacefully while chanting elegies in honor of Imam Hussain (AS), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Participants expressed their appreciation for the chance to commemorate this important occasion without any restrictions. "It is comforting that we have been able to conduct the 8th Muharram procession peacefully for the third year in a row," remarked Syed Murtaza Rizvi, a mourner from Srinagar.

Local officials, including Divisional Commissioner Bidhuri, Inspector General of Police V K Birdhi, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Dr. Akshay Labroo, and SSP Srinagar Dr. Sundeep Chakarvourti, also joined the procession at Lal Chowk, providing water to mourners under the intense sun.

Bidhuri highlighted the significance of preserving the religious essence of the procession, urging participants to concentrate on its true meaning. "We ask all mourners to stay focused on the genuine purpose of the procession and avoid altering its nature in any way," he stated.

The successful execution of this year's procession signifies a crucial advancement towards religious inclusivity and reflects a broader commitment to reconciliation in the region. The removal of restrictions on the traditional mourning route has been celebrated as a positive development, promoting an environment where communities can unite in shared observance and respect.

Regarding the upcoming 10th Muharram procession, IGP Birdi mentioned, "The administration is in discussions with organizers in all areas where 10th Muharram processions are held to ensure these religious events are supported."

The 8th of Muharram is part of the larger commemoration leading to Ashura, the 10th of Muharram, which honors the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS)—the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)—along with 72 of his companions during the Battle of Karbala in present-day Iraq.